Persepolis

PG-13

Released Dec 25, 2007

1h 35m

Drama

Animation

List

96%

Tomatometer

164 Reviews

92%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

Based on Satrapi's graphic novel about her life in pre and post-revolutionary Iran and then in Europe. The film traces Satrapi's growth from child to rebellious, punk-loving teenager in Iran. In the background are the growing tensions of the political climate in Iran in the 70s and 80s, with members of her liberal-leaning family detained and then executed, and the background of the disastrous Iran/Iraq war.

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Critics Consensus

Persepolis is an emotionally powerful, dramatically enthralling autobiographical gem, and the film's simple black-and-white images are effective and bold.

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Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

Persepolis is worth every second of its superb 100 minutes.

May 9, 2019

Full Review

Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Kind of interesting and is kind of original but its telling moments are told so often it's like going out to dinner and being served the same course over and over.

Aug 23, 2018

Full Review

Jenny McCartney

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Persepolis is, in its way, a hymn to the enduring influence of family, particularly during a time in which the state is attempting to seize all hearts, minds and instincts for itself.

Apr 12, 2013

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

It’s another important elevation of animation from children’s entertainment to pronounced, artistic cinema.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 6, 2023

Full Review

Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

One of the most amazing animated films in the 21st century.

Mar 3, 2023

Full Review

Kanishk Devgan

Film Companion

Brilliantly animated, highly acclaimed, and an innovative adaptation...

Mar 29, 2021

Full Review

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Hossein P

There are some key misrepresentations in this movie. The trivialization of the tragic state the Qajar (Ghajar) dynasty had left Iran in, where the whole country was either dying from hunger or the plague in the early 1900s is astonishing. The Ghajars were giving the oil away practically for free. The two kings of Pahlavi took what was left of Iran, educated the people at an incredible rate, cured the country from the Disease that Marjaneh's inbred ancestors had left behind - as their well established legacy, and elevated the common man's life - such as my grandfather who was orphaned at 7, started working by himself and built a comfortable life for himself and his family, where they all became proportionally successful. The shah gave part ownership of the large factories and companies to the workers. Which I think is the essence of providing both a hopeful future and a comfortable present for the commoners. This film portrays an innocent image of the communists where if the massive genocides in Russia and China hadn't proved otherwise, the violent protesters in Iran certainly did. One of their verified acts is the exhumation of the dead (digging up dead bodies), and spilling fresh blood on the corps to show that the state police had killed more that reported. A feat that requires a superhuman mindset. Their motives remain unclear to me, aside from promises from the Soviet Union (communist Russia), or the desire for the previously powerful individuals to regain their absolute power (although even those people thrived during the Pahlavi times). I met an older lady (In her 70s, I would say) who was marching for a new communism in Iran, and the conclusion of my discussion with her was that 1: she was extremely passionate about her cause, although the contents of her jittery discussion was incredibly vague/ambiguous , and 2: she truly believed that she can lead the country by herself, with her communist ideas. And that's the massive flaw of communism…"Everyone is equal, but I'm less equal to everyone else, and I know more than the other people, and deserve more". I think what the Pahlavi dynasty had planned and executed for the people was the closest to equality, one which the people worked for their personal progress and the collective advancement of the country. Yet, here they are, mocking them with silly characters… You can cry for an eternity about ‘who did you wrong', or you can evaluate what was wrong, what is right, and chart a path forward for your better future.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

09/24/23

Full Review

Cat W

An interesting animation style, a nice transition from black and white to colors and a moving story

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/07/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

The greatest 01 hour: and 35 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Originally in French with English subtitles, also in English audio and subtitles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/18/23

Full Review

Thee S

Excellent writing and visual style, very educational, intimate, and full of empathy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/23

Full Review

dayana m

"Persepolis" is an autographic story told of a girl named Marjane Satrapi. Marjane Satrapi's novel is about her upbringing in Iran, living through the revolution, leaving for Vienna, and her hardships. The film is in a comic-drawn style. The story follows her as she grows up, sharing her personal experiences from the war. The movie also shows how her hobbies and interests are looked down upon and being hounded to look modest. The style of animation adds to the way the story is told. This comic-style movie is primarily shown in black and white, with only small parts in color. It is different from the more common style, which is shown as more color added when the character is happy or as the story progresses. Instead, Marjane's story only shows color during some turning points in her life. This story is told in time and jumps through Marjane's life. Marjane's story begins as a little girl at the start of the revolution. It shows the reality that even as a small child Marjane is exposed to losing family members or seeing death in her country. The movie jumps to her teenage years in Vienna as Marjane tries to live a life trying to assimilate and feeling guilty or ashamed of where she is from—later coming home to a war-free country that changes to being morally strict. The style of the cartoon is simple and clean; I believe this is to get the message of how Marjane's life was across to the viewers. The characters and background are simple drawings, and the art style of the characters' emotions is very straightforward, with smiles or frowns with no shadows. The viewer is focused on the story being told instead of watching everything going on in the background. The film did an excellent job of showing how Marjane kept her rebellious side to her in the political climate in Iran. It's an eye-opener for people to relate their lives. Watching this movie makes me question what if I had grown up with the strict rules women had in Iran. Would I rebel or follow the rules and live unhappy, unable to express myself?

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

MrDonut

Persepolis is an extremely brilliant and powerful animated film, it mixed seriousness and realism with a cartoonish vibe super well.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/13/22

Full Review

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Vincent Paronnaud

Director

Marjane Satrapi

Director

Chiara Mastroianni

Marjane

Catherine Deneuve

Mom

Danielle Darrieux

Grandma

Simon Abkarian

Dad

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Synopsis

Based on Satrapi's graphic novel about her life in pre and post-revolutionary Iran and then in Europe. The film traces Satrapi's growth from child to rebellious, punk-loving teenager in Iran. In the background are the growing tensions of the political climate in Iran in the 70s and 80s, with members of her liberal-leaning family detained and then executed, and the background of the disastrous Iran/Iraq war.

Director: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi
Screenwriter: Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Sofica Europacorp, 2.4.7. Films, Diaphana Films, Centre National de la Cinematographie, Fondation GAN pour le Cinéma, French Connection Animations, France 3 Cinéma, Région Ile-de-France, Kennedy/Marshall, Celluloid Dreams, Soficinéma 3, Procirep, Sony Pictures Classics
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Brief Drug Content|Mature Thematic Material|Sexual References|Violent Images)
Genre: Drama, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2007, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 2, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.4M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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