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Persepolis
Animation DVD Review
Persepolis, named after the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire, tells the story of a girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
Based on creator Marjane Satrapi's own life - although in interviews in the special features, she is careful to say that this is not a biography, but a story - the movie follows young Marjane through the pain of her uncle's execution, her fears when she must move to Austria at age 14, her return to Iran after high school, and her realization at age 24 that she must leave again, this time forever.
Despite the serious plot, Satrapi infuses the film with humor, making it accessible not only to those with an interest in life inside dictatorships, but to anyone who enjoys stories about rebellious women learning to be themselves.
Below: Scenes from Persepolis.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, October 2008
Persepolis:
The Story of a Childhood
Manga Review
If you remember the brilliant breakthrough comic MAUS, this is the version for our generation. This is the autobiography of a spunky, smart girl growing up in Iran, during the time of the fall of the Shah to the fundamentalist reign of Khomeini. With each page you will become more and more afraid for the high spirited girl and her sophisticated, educated parents. Her questions and tastes for Western music and clothes are dangerous. How long before the secret police come knocking at the door?
Persepolis is her testament to the crimes committed first by the Shah and then the thousandfold worse crimes created by a revolution which was supposed to address those problems. It's also a very accurate image of those years. It makes you laugh, and it brings tears to your eyes at the same time. No matter what your interests and tastes, you will enjoy if not love Persepolis.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, August 2003
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