Persepolis

A must watch! And if you have missed it too bad!
IMDB sums it up as "Poignant coming-of-age story of a precocious and outspoken young Iranian girl that begins during the Islamic Revolution." Well that really does not sum up the film. It's 2D animation is one of the singularly best one that I have seen. I am still trying to guess how did they manage to use such dramatic light in the film which is 2D and black and white. It's probably one of the most aesthetically sound animation of our time and one of the very few political animations at that.

I am borrowing from IMDB yet again as I am pressed for time - In 1970s Iran, Marjane 'Marji' Satrapi watches events through her young eyes and her idealistic family of a long dream being fulfilled of the hated Shah's defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Marji grows up, she witnesses first hand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own. With Marji dangerously refusing to remain silent at this injustice, her parents send her abroad to Vienna to study for a better life. However, this change proves an equally difficult trial with the young woman finding herself in a different culture loaded with abrasive characters and profound disappointments that deeply trouble her. Even when she returns home, Marji finds that both she and homeland have changed too much and the young woman and her loving family must decide where she truly belongs.

For me the characters were the most interesting bit apart from the fact that it was just the story of a woman with whom many of us will relate as all of us feel stifled and are in great conflict living a life in the globalised India. Directed by Vincent Parannoud and Marjane Satrapi is a story of revolution, war, conflict, hypocrisy but above all it is about life.

Comments

Srobona RC said…
I missed it on the cinemas. Don't remember seeing the release. Moreover, UK gets releases almost a month later for some reason. Have to wait for it to come out in DVD....will definitely watch it.
illusions said…
This was an award winning film at Cannes last year...so India release is a year behind...UK must have seen it in 2007 itself, so you can check with your video library, they in all probability have it on their shelf. Although the big screen would have been the best experience but never mind at least watching it is better than missing it all together. Now I am looking forward to OSEAN Cinefest to hit the town next week.
Unknown said…
i liked the part of the restoration of the centre of gravity of the girl.
Also the song Eye of the Tiger was aptly placed...
And the grandma character was awesome..
illusions said…
Incidentally the Granda Ma reminded me of one of my friend's Grand mom so much that I just could not stop laughing...the lady was indeed amazing.

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