Evening humans. We are gonna be reviewing an animated film, but this time it’s a French language affair. Not usually what I do, but I think this particular film is easily up there with the likes of Production G and Ghbili flicks. We are taking a gander at Persepolis. Hey, it’s foreign and animated. That fits the criteria for pretty much everything I review. As our friend Lance Storm says “if I could be serious for a moment”.So let’s begin.
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Persepolis is an autobiography that follows the life of Marjane Satrapi in parallel to historical events of Iran starting with the ousting of power of the Shah. As the nation changes so does Marjane as she grows up and comes into age abroad. As life and death passes by, she learns more about her family and her identity.
This feature is drawn in a very simple style and was actually drawn by hand (imagine all those cramps). Despite the very simple style, the characters will sometimes have exaggerated facial expressions (with fits the feisty Marjane perfectly) or go into imagined sequences with slightly different art work. It is a mix of color for the present time and black and white for the past (although the majority of the film is black and white).
Now with those technical details out of the way, this film is quite an interesting look at the unique and rebellious personality of Marjane. Since childhood, we see her as full of energy, standing up for everything she believes, and just plain does take shit from anybody. Whether it be people talking smack about her or local Iranian police, she gives everyone in her way a piece of her mind. She is indeed someone to marches to the beat of a different drummer. As a little girl, she imagines herself as the first prophet of the galaxy(including talking to god) and idolizes Bruce Lee. As she gets older she wears punk clothing (while having a veil over her head) and listens to Iron Maiden (I told you she was cool). So of course her unique personality fit quite nicely into the bohemian crowd she runs into when studies in Vienna.
Along with Marjane’s life, we see the parallels of Iran’s history and political ideology. Many in Marjane’s family or friends of the family were involved in political activism before and after the revolution of 1979 and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. Particularly Marjane’s communist uncle Anouche. Who helps shape Marjane’s view of the world.
There is of course the humorous take Persepolis takes at times. Although it deals with many subject matters, the film never gets too gloomy. Her boyfriend revealing that he is gay and or yelling at people that she is not ashamed of being Iranian are treated with some laughs. We also see this approach when Marjane is confronted by police for violating Iranian obscenity laws. To top it off, there is even Marjane’s edition of Eye of The Tiger being sung in a musical number.
There is also an English dub of Persepolis. In it we see the vocal talents of Sean Penn and Iggy Pop. It is quite interesting hearing Iggy do the voice of uncle Anouche. Not what I’d expect of this man to portray but he does a good job of bringing this courageous old man to life.
Equally impressive is the fact that the voice actress for Marjnae’s character (Chiara Mastroianni ) is present in both the French and English versions.
Persepoplis is an excellent animated film that truly portrays the inner feelings of growing up in this environment. Marjane Satrapi said that she did this as an animated film rather than live action because it would otherwise be viewed as just another ethnic film. Indeed she has succeeded in stripping her experience down to its raw emotions that everyone can relate to. So why not give this flick a try? Those giant anime robots can wait.
Glitch: is a digital demon from planet Fanboy, and is here to teach us humans a thing or two. You can find more of his reviews(and nonsense) over at http://www.youtube.com/takenoutofcontext.