I intended to see Persepolis a long time ago, but things kept getting in the way, but I’m glad I waited though, it was a breath of fresh air after all my experiences in Foreign films.
“A graphic novelist’s first-attempt at film puts experienced directors to shame.”
The Rundown
Behind the name: Reference to the old city of Persepolis, Persia, capital of The Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550–330 BC)
Country: France, 2007
Genre: Animated Drama
Distributed by: 2.4.7 Films, France
Cast: Chiara Mastroianni (as teenage and adult Marjane), Catherine Deneuve (as Mother), Danielle Darrieux (as Grandmother), Simon Abkarian (as Father)
Compare to: Itself
Hate it or Love it? Love it.
Synopsis in a Sentence: Follow the life of a girl who grew up during the Iranian Revolution, experienced what life in Iran was before the that time, after that time, and all the difference a little history makes.
Persepolis started with a budget slightly over $7 million dollars that grossed US$22,752,488 for its makers. It’s been a subject of censorship for middle-eastern, Asian, and even western authorities alike, and spawned the 2007 Cannes film Festival Jury Prize, amongst 15 other awards and nominations, including best feature at the 80th Grammy Awards.
You know a film has made it big when it’s up for awards and censorship simultaneously.
On Writing: The Plot
Animated war dramas. There aren’t many of them around. The method of storytelling is unique because relative to the use of human characters, it may present the ideas in a lightly detached mode. However, Persepolis did not make that mistake. The story is delivered in a way that brings human characters to life in an enveloped, comical manner that might have flopped if delivered by the use of human actors.
The plot is not one we hear of everyday. We often hear of the plight of the poor, or the affluence of the wealthy, seldom are we shown the struggles of the “comfortable” if we can put it that way. It’s not only about the depression of war, or the loss of freedom, or the tragedy of love, or the search for oneself in the face of catastrophe. It’s all of these, wrapped up in one impressive plot.
(4.5/5)
On Acting: The Cast
Ha!
Should we assess animated actors? Of course!
The characters themselves were interesting. Most of the characters, being round characters exhumed more character than humans I know. They were unapologetic, straightforward, authentic and empathic. A great achievement for sketched people, don’t you think?
(4/5)
On Production:
Don’t turn your brain off just because the film is animated. Its definitely not a Disney production, nor is it anime. It is, in every way, a film, only just animated.
Its animated method of production allowed it to pull off more than it clould have in “real life.” And for good reason too. Its artistically infused comedic pieces flowed seamlessly with the true-to life drama. Production-wize, Presepolis is indeed a breath of fresh air to worldwide cinema.
(4/5)
On Resolution: The Conclusion
Originally an autobiography, Persepolis jumped into the world of film with little experience and managed… no, succeeded in succeeding. The fact that the self-authour is still alive allows the story go on, even after the film ends. That’s quite interesting to know. Now before I sign out, I must say, self author, Marjane Satrapi, must be proud of herself for turning her autobiographic novels into an oscar-nominated hit. I plan to do that one day.
That said, you already know how the story ends, further than the film takes us. The resolution is unique.
(4/5)
The Verdict: A great piece of work: Authentic, fresh and entertaining, despite its dramatic and tragic base. An excellent blend of genres.
Overall Score = 16.5/20
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