“Persepolis” Summary and Review

A R
2 min readJul 9, 2023

Summary:

“Persepolis” is an animated film directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud, based on Satrapi’s novel . The story follows Marjane, a young Iranian girl, as she navigates her way through the political and social trouble of her country during the Islamic Revolution. Through her eyes, we are shown her childhood in Tehran, her experiences with war and oppression, and her eventual journey to Europe for a better life.

Review:

“Persepolis” is an film that puts together political commentary, personal storytelling, and stunning animation to create a profound and emotionally deep experience. The use of black-and-white hand-drawn animation, just like the original graphic novel, lends a unique and powerful aspect to the storytelling.

At its core, “Persepolis” is explores the complexities of identity and the search for freedom and individuality. Marjane’s journey is both deeply personal and relatable, as she fights with the clash between tradition and modern times, the restrictions of a oppressive regime, and the challenges of finding her place in the world.

One of the film’s strengths is its ability to balance heavy subject matter with moments of humor and warmth. Satrapi’s witty and insightful script injects moments of levity that provide a necessary respite from the often somber tone of the narrative. The voice acting, particularly by Chiara Mastroianni as the adult Marjane, is superb, conveying a wide range of emotions and adding depth to the characters.

Visually, the animation style enhances the storytelling, capturing the essence of the graphic novel while adding a cinematic quality to the story as well. The black-and-white , with occasional color for a more symbolic effect, creates a contrast that show the harsh realities faced by Marjane and by people in her country.

“Persepolis” is not just a compelling animated film; it is a powerful exploration of personal and political resilience, cultural identity, and a quest for self-discovery. Its emotional impact and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for people. I personally loved and and it gave me whole new perspective of life.

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