Persepolis (2007)

A precocious and outspoken Iranian girl grows up during the Islamic Revolution.

Directors:

Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi

Writers:

Marjane Satrapi (comic), Vincent Paronnaud (scenario)

Stars:

Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 28 wins & 54 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Chiara Mastroianni	...	Marjane (voice)
Danielle Darrieux	...	Grandma (voice)
Catherine Deneuve	...	Mom (voice)
Simon Abkarian	...	Dad (voice)
Gabrielle Lopes Benites	...	Marji (voice)
François Jerosme	...	Anoush (voice)
Tilly Mandelbrot	...	Lali (voice)
Sophie Arthuys	...	Walla (voice)
Arié Elmaleh	...	Walla (voice)
Mathias Mlekuz	...	Walla (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Lexie Kendrick	...	Friend / Gossip / Teacher (2008) (voice)
Sean Penn	...	Mr. Satrapi - Marjane's Father (voice)
Gena Rowlands	...	Marjane's grandmother (voice)

Storyline

In 1970s Iran, Marjane 'Marji' Statrapi watches events through her young eyes and her idealistic family of a long dream being fulfilled of the hated Shah's defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Marji grows up, she witnesses first hand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own. With Marji dangerously refusing to remain silent at this injustice, her parents send her abroad to Vienna to study for a better life. However, this change proves an equally difficult trial with the young woman finding herself in a different culture loaded with abrasive characters and profound disappointments that deeply trouble her. Even when she returns home, Marji finds that both she and homeland have changed too much and the young woman and her loving family must decide where she truly belongs.

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Plot Keywords:

iran | iranian revolution | based on comic book | 1970s | f rated | 

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Genres:

Animation | Biography | Drama | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material including violent images, sexual references, language and brief drug content

Details

Official Sites:

Official MySpace [France] Official site [Spain]

Country:

France USA

Language:

French English Persian German

Release Date:

22 February 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Persépolis

Box Office

Budget:

$7,300,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

€1,402,949 (France), 1 July 2007, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$37,118, 23 December 2007, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$4,443,403, 18 May 2008

Company Credits

Production Co:

2.4.7. Films, France 3 Cinéma, The Kennedy/Marshall Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min 89 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

At the party given by the Austrian nihilists, the symbol of the famous industrial band Einstürzende Neubauten can be seen on the upper left-hand side of the screen.

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Goofs

Young Marjane talks about torturing someone by making them put garbage in his mouth and making him chew it three times. She demonstrates this by grabbing a bunch of garbage out of a garbage can. In the next shot, when Ramine rides by on his bike, the garbage has vanished.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Airport receptionist: Ticket and passport, please.

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Connections

References Gojira (1954)

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Soundtracks

Roses du Sud
(Rosen aus dem Süden, op. 388)
Composed by Johann Strauss (as Johann Strauss)
Arranged by Olivier Bernet

User Reviews

The Contemporary History of Iran

In 1978, in Iran, the smart girl Marjane Satrapi lives the troubled period of the history of her country with the Islamic Revolution with her ideologist parents and grandmother. When she is a teenager, her parents send her to Vienna due to the war with Iraq. Marjane befriends a group of outcast students, finds love and deception and returns to her country to the arms of her family. However, the life with the fundamentalist in the government is repressive and she leaves her country again to live in France.

"Persepolis" is an interesting animation where the contemporary history of Iran is disclosed through the eyes of the lead character. This feature gives a great lesson of history highlighting the most important moments of the life of Iranian in their country. This dramatic animation has many levels but is highly recommended for adults and offers excellent dialogs and messages. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Persépolis"