Persepolis review

Persepolis tells the story of Marjane Statrapi, a girl growing up in 1970's Iran. It shows the state of Iran and the defeat of the hated Shah through her young eyes. In essence it's a coming of age story but it's really eye opening. The conditions that women have to live through in Iran is truly horrifying and Marjane refuses to remain quiet. She fights back and refuses to be treated like a dog. Every time I hear or see something about the treatment of women in foreign countries like this I get angry and just wish that someone would stand up for themselves. Well, that's what Marjane does. Even though this if brave of her, it's also dangerous. Marjane's parents eventually send her abroad to Vienna for her safety. Now supposedly free, she feels more trapped than ever. She knows she doesn't belong or fit in here and she misses her family deeply. It's a scary realization that she doesn't know where she belongs. Once she returns to Iran the country is very different than what she remembers. A story about a girl against all odds, Persepolis is very interesting. The animation is also pretty unique, in mostly black and white with occasional spots of color. It's refreshing to see an animated film like this that is actually saying something, rather than just kiddy eye candy. That being said, this film isn't for everyone. I found the story to be a little sad and gloomy and at some parts slow. The character of Marjane, however, keeps the movie afloat and makes you care in the end. She is someone most people can relate to and a hero to young girls across the globe.