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The animated film "Persepolis" was nominated for an Academy Award for best animated feature for 2007.
And with good reason.
The film centers on a young girl coming of age in a turbulent time in Iran.
The overthrow of the shah, the subsequent takeover by the mullahs and the war with Iraq (which killed about 1 million people) are all things that happen during the maturation of the girl into a woman.
"Persepolis" is an autobiographical account of life in Iran by author Marjane Satrapi, who wrote two graphic novels on which the film is based.
Satrapi has teamed up with comic book artist Vincent Paronnaud to create an animated feature the style of which remains authentic. The way Satrapi and Paronnaud approach the film is to be true to those graphic novels. The style is sparse and, subsequently, more appealing to all who view it because of its universality.
While not an overtly political movie, the events that happen in Iran have a profound effect on Satrapi, who bristles when she comes in contact with the ubiquitous morality police. She finds ways to snub the theocracy by removing her veil or listening to western bands like the Bee Gees, ABBA and Iron Maiden.A curious girl, Satrapi listens to stories from friends and relatives about their time in prison under the shah. Somehow, despite the fact that these are horrific acts of torture, she retells them matter-of-factly.
When things get dicey for Satrapi's parents, who are communists, they send her to Europe where she can study safely.
Once away from home, Satrapi finds she is at home nowhere , not in Iran, not in Europe. She returns to Iran but finds the social atmosphere stifling.
One person she connects with and who has much humor and wisdom is Satrapi's grandmother who reminds Satrapi who she is when she loses her way.
"Persepolis" works on many levels and is sure to please most audiences , it has humor, warmth and characters for whom the audience can feel sympathy. There is also a revolution and a war as the backdrop which heightens the drama of Satrapi's personal journey.
She also recalls her time as a child with some fondness and much humor. In telling her story, Satrapi could be a girl anywhere in the world and dispels the notion that we are so different from each other that we can never achieve understanding or peace.
Now on DVD, "Persepolis" is in French with English subtitles.
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