Iffy for 14+
Animated coming-of-age tale is poignant, mature.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although this film -- an adaptation of graphic novelist Marjane Satrapi's critically acclaimed memoir about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution -- is animated, it's aimed at adults. There are many references to the atrocities (mostly executions and bombings) of life before, during, and after the revolution. Several scenes involve secret parties during which secular Iranians drink and smoke; as a teenager living in Europe, Marjane also drinks, smokes, tries hash, and sleeps with two guys (at one point, feeling suicidal, she also takes lots of pills). If teens are interested, they'll learn a lot about the harsh realities of life in an oppressive culture. It's worth noting that there are two versions of the film: The original is in French with subtitles; the other is dubbed in English.
- Families can talk about how "the West" is portrayed in the film. Why is American pop culture banned in Iran? What makes it threatening? How is Marjane's family different? How does Marjane "betray" her heritage once she's abroad? What did you learn about Iranian history and culture from the film? Do you think that animation was an effective way to tell Marjane's story? How would it have been different if it was live action?
What to watch for
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Violence: Several characters die, either by firing squad, public hanging, or falling while running from the police. Blood is depicted as black, oozing from a shadowy/black figure. Other scenes portray bombings, revolutionary battles, and dead victims.
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Sex: Marjane kisses and hugs a couple of characters and catches a boyfriend in bed with another young woman. She admits that she's not virgin and tells her virgin friends back home that sex is good depending on the guy. Marjane's mother reveals that since it's illegal to execute a virgin, unmarried female prisoners are forced to marry soldiers and have `their virginity taken` first.
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Language: Language includes `bastard,` `s--t,` `dick,` and `ass` (dialogue is in French with English subtitles).
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Consumerism: Bruce Lee poster, Bee Gees album, Iron Maiden album, the song `Eye of the Tiger.`
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A suicidal Marjane takes a lot of pills, and Marjane and her parents attend secret parties where the adults tend to get drunk. As a teenager, Marjane drinks and smokes cigarettes and pot/hash. She also drinks and smokes cigarettes as an adult.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A Must See!!! by Dutchmazz
Great story, great animation, wonderful voice acting, even great subtitles!
This film will pull you in and never let you go. If you read the book this film is definitely a bonus, but you don't have to read the book to get the movie. This film is not playing in many theaters, so if it's playing in your area you must see this film!
4
An animated female character more alive than most real female characters by Igotothemoviesalot
Spanning from the late 70s through the early 90s, Persepolis is mostly the story of the Iranian Islamic Revolution seen through the eyes of an young Iranian woman. Almost autobiographical, at times funny and poignant, the movie has the most powerful scenes you'll even see in animation. It has a fascinating plot and strong female characters doing battle with the revolution's imposed moral code, especially our heroine who likes western clothes and music. Peppered with political statements about right and wrong, it will leave an indelible desire to fight and be true to yourself.
5
fascinating by chrysanna
I don't like seeing movies more than ones, it rarely happens and it happened for this movie. I have seen it twice already and want to see it again. Besides its content is very impressive and the way it tells the story is pretty accurate, the art of the movie itself is spellbinding. I laughed and cried at the same time throughout the movie. Very real, so close to the heart. Don't let the fact that the movie is black and white animation in most part prevents you to go, give it a chance, you won't regret.
5
Persepolis by Monkey gators
This movie was great. It lost a little in the translation from the graphic novel, but this is a common situation with books that are made into movies. Overall, the main ideas, feelings and themes were captures in a meaningful way. I loved the animation style and loved the story of this young girls life and experience in claiming and becoming who she it. Everyone should see this movie to understand more about Iran.
5
Delightful by berriesmama
Peresepolis, the movie version of the autobiographical book is a complete delight. How can you not love Marijan the main character as she grows up beneath the shadow of the horror of war and revolution in Iran -- yet she remains a complete character -- enjoying Western music and being an all out girl under her head scarf. This is a must see.
5
Persepolis -- Good and Interesting by dcmoviewatcher
An excellent movie that provides a nuanced of life in Iran. Very innovative use of animation.
5
Persepolis - A rare gem by movie-enthusiast
Persepolis is an animated French film about a girl's life in Iran (and France) during the upheaval of government and war. It starts with the overthrow of the dictatorship and how her and her families' lives are affected by the war/aftermath that follows. It is an excellent movie in topic and style. There is a wonderful sense of humor in it that makes a movie of this somber topic very enjoyable. It is all in French and subtitled in English. I have seen only a few French/subtitled movies, but if you enjoyed Amelie with Audrey Tatou ([BLOCKED WEBSITE] and you are interested in the history of our time, you will surely love this film. 5/5 stars!
5
One of the Greatest Movies Ever Made by edshu33
Prior to seeing this excellent film, I had already read the books several times over, so I had very high expectations. This autobiopic is something else entirely, an intriguing examination of human nature in the midst of chaos. I remember hearing a story about how the director of Battleship Potemkin said that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the greatest movie ever made just after seeing it, and I was tempted to say the same about Persepolis, because animation renders limitless possibilities and engrosses the viewer in the characters. Even if you're not a fan of animation, you must see this for the excruciatingly realistic social commentary and the great character drama.
5
Persepolis by mxgilbert2
Powerful, nuanced political/cultural message. Deeply moving.
5
No CG! by ninthgirl
This is so interesting, funny and timely.