Persepolis (2007)
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A young girl navigates the complexities of coming of age against the turbulent backdrop of the Iranian Revolution.
The story
While at an airport in Paris, Marjane 'Marji' Satrapi reflects on her life before a planned departure to Tehran. The narrative then unfolds across several decades, following Marji's growth during the 1979 Iranian revolution. As the political landscape shifts from the rule of the Shah to the rise of Islamic fundamentalists, Marji's family faces increasing restrictions and dangers. The film explores her personal journey of identity and survival as she navigates the cultural and political upheavals of her homeland, eventually leading her to seek a life beyond the borders of Iran.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
At Orly Airport, Marjane 'Marji' Satrapi reflects on her life before a trip to Tehran. The story moves back to the 1979 Iranian revolution, where Marji's family faces the transition from the Shah's rule to Islamic fundamentalism. Following the execution of her uncle Anoosh and the imposition of strict laws, Marji's life is shaped by the Iran-Iraq War and the loss of social freedoms. Her family eventually seeks ways to escape, and Marji is sent to a school in Vienna, where she feels isolated and eventually faces hardship. After returning to Iran, she faces a period of depression and later finds love with a student named Reza. They marry but divorce a year later. Following a police raid on a party where she is detained, Marji decides to leave Iran for good. The film concludes in the present at Orly Airport, where Marji reflects on her final memories of her grandmother.
- First release year
- 2007
- Runtime (minutes)
- 96
- Production countries
- France; United States
- Original languages
- French
- Directors
- Marjane Satrapi; Vincent Paronnaud
- Writers
- Marjane Satrapi · writer; Vincent Paronnaud · writer
- Cast and characters
- Chiara Mastroianni · Marjane; Catherine Deneuve · the mother; Danielle Darrieux · the grandmother; Simon Abkarian · the father; Gabriele Lopes · child Marjane; Gena Rowlands · the grandmother; Sean Penn · the father; Amethyste Frezignac · child Marjane; Iggy Pop · Uncle Anouche
- Genres
- animated; biographical drama; comedy-drama
- Themes
- coming-of-age; identity; political upheaval; freedom
- Tone and mood
- poignant; serious
- Premise and plot tags
- autobiographical; animated; historical
- Source material / true-story basis
- Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel of the same name.
- Content notes
- sexual content
- Reception
- The film received universal praise from critics and was noted for its emotional power and bold visual style.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 96% · scale: percentage · review count: 163
- Production trivia
- The film is presented in a black-and-white style to reflect the original graphic novel.; Marjane Satrapi was the first woman to be nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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