Persepolis tells Marjane's story from childhood to mid youth. We witness her family upbringing, her relationship (or lack of) with God, the political and social events that happened in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, her university years in Austria, her love stories, her emigration to France and her approach to life as a female artist.
There is a lot of humour in this movie. Some of Satrapi's love stories are hilariously narrated despite the impact they had on her. The black market of Western Music will put a big smile in your face (it is directly connected with the situation told in the Iranian movie Nobody Knows about Persian Cats). Also delightful it is the presence of little funny street cats, dogs, and worms in general scenes, which create an atmosphere of proximity and tenderness even during the saddest moments.
The story is mostly presented in a black-and-white flashback, with a superb use of chiaroscuro and cut-out bold colours for the narration in the present tense. The absence of colour gives the story historical perspective and seriousness, and it is perfect to portray Satrapis' past treasured moments: day-dreams, hopes, ideals, music, culture, smells and happy family times. On the other hand, the black and white gives the story a necessary emotional detachment to show many of the hard themes presented in the film: oppression, depression, war, censorship, torture, immigration and loneliness, among others.
The animation is minimalist and schematic, flat, but attentive to the detail, very traditional comic-book, still very classy and contemporary. Persepolis reminded me sometimes of the freshness and creativity of "Sita Sings the Blues" in the way different animation sub-styles are used within the movie. For example, the story of how the Shas of Persia got into power is very "puppetish", while the recreation of the different movies watched on TV (Terminator and Godzilla) have a chunky sort of drawing and are definitely modern pop comic book.
I would have liked that the movie went a little bit further on in time, as Satrapi is a fascinating character, and her story is wonderful. Still, this is one of my favourite animation movies ever, because it touches me in ways that most animation movies cannot. Satrapi's story succeeds because it goes beyond herself, and we understand -even if it is superficially- what does mean and feel like being an Iranian and Middle Eastern person in Europe, being a woman -and a special type of woman- in Iran, being and artist out of place, and being a foreigner both in your native land and abroad. Satrapi's story serves to highlight the process of alienation that most immigrants suffer, but also a reflection on what is what makes us who we are, which is something intangible and indescribable, but powerful and unique that escapes categorisation, national borders or gender, no matter these are part of your cultural background.
This is the sort of movie that will captivate animation and art lovers, and people who are into Arts, comics, graphic novels and illustration. It is intellectually elating and emotionally absorbing, and will feed those viewers who are hungry for an animation that is different, daring, and meaningful.
Go and grab it right now (in French with English subtitles, please!).
