Persepolis (2007)

Film: Persepolis

Director: Marjane Satrapi

Country: Iran

Released: May 2007

Runtime: 96 minutes

Genre: Animation

Studio: 2.4.7. Films

Influenced: Mamoru Hosoda, Asghar Farhadi, Tomm Moore, Ana Lily Amirpour, Samira Makhmalbaf

Written & directed by Iranian author and illustrator Marjane Satrapi, with the support of French comic book writer and artist Vincent Paronnaud, Persepolis is based on the graphic novels (or bandes dessinées) of the same name. Satrapi initially resisted the idea of adapting her graphic novel into a film, unsure of how to translate the unique style and emotional impact of her work into a different medium. Paronnaud's persuasion, and his expertise in animation and understanding of the graphic novel's essence, proved instrumental in bringing the project to life. The novel is Satrapi's autobiographical account of her childhood and adolescence in Iran during the 1979 Islamic Revolution and its aftermath, and the film like the book is presented in black & white. This choice not only pays homage to the source material but also enhances the film's impact by putting the emphasis on the emotional depth of the narrative.

The story begins with young Marjane, or Marji, growing up in Tehran during the Shah's rule in Iran. It details her experiences with the oppressive regime and her family's leftist beliefs. As Marji matures, she struggles with the changing social and cultural norms during her adolescence, questioning her identity and place in an increasingly authoritarian society. Fearing for her safety, Marji's parents send her to study abroad in Vienna, where she faces the challenges of cultural alienation. She returns to Iran, only to confront the oppressive regime once again. The narrative weaves personal struggles with broader historical events, providing a poignant and insightful commentary on the impact of political upheavals on individual lives. The film concludes with Marji's decision to leave Iran again and embrace her identity as a diasporic Iranian, finding solace in her memories and the resilience of the human spirit.

The film employs a distinctive hand-drawn animation style, reminiscent of traditional Persian miniature paintings, to convey the story's cultural context and emotional depth. The graphic novel's distinctive visual narrative is translated into the film's animation, using personified characters and dream sequences to explore themes of identity and freedom. Some of my favourite moments are early in the film, especially seeing Marji's childhood games with her friends in the streets of Tehran, reflecting the carefree spirit of pre-revolution Iran. Marji's grandmother tells her, "the only way to see the world is to draw it", while her father's advice to her is that, "it's not about forgetting your past, it's about carrying it with you". In the original French-language version of Persepolis, Marji is voiced by Chiara Mastroianni, while her mother Catherine Deneuve, as well as Danielle Darrieux and Simon Abkarian, also feature. The English-language version of the film also features an all-star cast, including Gena Rowlands as Marji, as well as Sean Penn and Iggy Pop. 

Persepolis received widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards. Some notable recognitions include the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Persepolis also won two César Awards, France's highest national film award, for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best First Feature Film, while also picking up the Children's Jury Award at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival. Persepolis faced challenges in various countries owing to its sensitive portrayal of Iran's political landscape, including an initial ban in Iran and then censored release, due to its critical portrayal of the Iranian Revolution. This censorship reflected the sensitivity surrounding the events depicted and the ongoing political climate in the country. Persepolis' success affirmed the potency of animation as a medium for serious storytelling, and stands as a testament to the idea that compelling animation doesn't necessarily require the massive budgets often associated with major studios like Pixar.