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Persepolis | 
| Directors: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi
Actors: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Simon Abkarian, Gabrielle Lopes
Studio: Sony Pictures
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.95
Buy New: $12.49
You Save: $17.46 (58%)
New (41) Used (19) from $8.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  41 reviews
Sales Rank: 371
Format: Ac-3, Black & White, Dolby, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: French (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), English (Dubbed)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 95
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.8 x 0.7
MPN: 22525
UPC: 043396225251
EAN: 0043396225251
ASIN: B000YAA68W
Theatrical Release Date: December 25, 2007
Release Date: June 24, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Persepolis is the poignant story of a young girl coming-of-age in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It is through the eyes of precocious and outspoken nine-year-old Marjane that we see a people's hopes dashed as fundamentalists take power forcing the veil on women and imprisoning thousands. Clever and fearless she outsmarts the "social guardians" and discovers punk ABBA and Iron Maiden. Yet when her uncle is senselessly executed and as bombs fall around Tehran in the Iran/Iraq war the daily fear that permeates life in Iran is palpable. As she gets older Marjane's boldness causes her parents to worry over her continued safety. And so at age fourteen they make the difficult decision to send her to school in Austria. Vulnerable and alone in a strange land she endures the typical ordeals of a teenager. In addition Marjane has to combat being equated with the religious fundamentalism and extremism she fled her country to escape. Over time she gains acceptance and even experiences love but after high school she finds herself alone and horribly homesick. Though it means putting on the veil and living in a tyrannical society Marjane decides to return to Iran to be close to her family. After a difficult period of adjustment she enters art school and marries all the while continuing to speak out against the hypocrisy she witnesses. At age 24 she realizes that while she is deeply Iranian she cannot live in Iran. She then makes the heartbreaking decision to leave her homeland for France optimistic about her future shaped indelibly by her past.System Requirements:Running Time: 95 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ANIME Rating: PG-13 UPC: 043396225251 Manufacturer No: 22525
Amazon.com
A fascinating and wholly unexpected take on Iran's Islamic revolution beginning in the 1970s, Persepolis is an enthralling, animated feature about a spirited young woman who spends her life trying to deal with the consequences of her nation's history. Based on an autobiographical comic book by Marjane Satrapi, the story concerns Marji (voiced as a teenager and woman by Chiara Mastroianni), whose natural fire and precociousness are slowly dampened by the rise of religious extremists. Marji grieves over the imprisonment and execution of a beloved uncle, then begrudgingly adapts to ever-tightening rules about dress, social mores, education for women, and expectations about marriage and divorce. Along the way, her grandmother (Danielle Darrieux) and mother (Catherine Deneuve) help keep Marji grounded during her rebellious teens and encourage her to find life beyond Iran's borders, a decision that proves both a blessing and curse. An unique window onto a crucial chapter of 20th century history, Persepolis is graphically engaging with its black-and-white, bold lines and feeling of repressed energy, fit to burst. The emotional content is so strong that after awhile, one almost forgets the film is a cartoon. Satrapi co-wrote the screenplay and co-directed the film along with animator Vincent Paronnaud. --Tom Keogh Stills from Persepolis (click for larger image) Beyond Persepolis 
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| Customer Reviews: Read 36 more reviews...
 a classic in its own rights and domain August 24, 2008
I do not believe I have ever seen such a deep and touching animation movie - this is an absolute wonder and it treads in a domain which is difficult to explain and hard to understand - Iran (not Arab), Europe, the culture, the cultural classes, religion, politics - can it be any more complicated - but Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi have been able to simplify all these complex issues into a simple story as seen through the eyes of the protagonist Marjane Satrapi. I feel very strongly about this probably because I have gone through many similar experiences (with different background) so when I was watching the movie , the truth in it almost made me cry.
We are used an Iran depicted by CNN and George Bush Administration but this is a very narrow and politicized view of Iran - Persia as a country has an enormous cultural roots and strong social fabric which the islamic rulers cannot destroy so easily and we also forget to realize that Islam (speacially the persian version) was not aggressive or brutal infact they gave us Rumi. Thye movie shows an amazing transformation of Iran through the last century - this transformation has never been produced so lucidly anywhere. It also shows that the subcultural of this liberal front in Iran has not died (not yet) and it still can germinate back again. The protagonist see the revolution (where Shah is removed), the war with Iraq - see gets support from her liberal grandma who represents the subculture of liberalism which never died. This movie probably shows the biggest difference between Iran and Arab nations (like Saudi) - most of the time we lump Iran in the same category with Arab nations but Persia was completely a different world.
Then when the protagonist moves to Europe for her studies - she faces the challenges of cultural differences and her inner battle of identity crisis - this depiction is poetic it is almost like somebody is reading from Albert Camus - sometimes the inner demons wins but finally she overcomes the hurdles and moves forward - the movie ends with an ray of hope - it shows that Iran can get back its own identity which is different from the Islamic identity.
Finally it brings out a potrait of the women of Iran - they can fight their own battle and do not need western sympathy - they understand their plight and they are involved in a struggle to change it - hope they can change - I have decided to buy this DVD
impressive disc August 22, 2008
The effort to produce a fantastic disc about a serious subject was impressive and appreciated.
Life in perpetual motion August 11, 2008
21 out of 21 found this review helpful
Persepolis is a wonder to behold!
Not your standard cartoon, it's mostly black and white with some pretty basic animation. But frame by frame each simple sketch harnesses an enormous spirit. Funny, poignant, and endearing, it's also a real eye opener. Very much a vocal springboard for the people of Iran. Especially the women.
It follows the life of Marjane, an idealistic young girl growing up in a war-torn country. She struggles to find her identity with so many laws and customs that hinder her freedom of expression. Quite a different life than we are accustomed to.
Young women forced to wear veils, loose clothing, be "proper"...alcohol, pork, music, makeup, films, fashion--all forbidden.
This is such a touching film. Its importance could never be overstated. It's really not limited to a particular country or people. It is in fact universal. An entertaining, educational cartoon you adults should not miss.
Full of life -- a poignant story of growing up in Iran August 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Persepolis is a brilliantly constructed and beautifully animated film about a young girl growing up in Tehran during the Islamic revolution. Based on an autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, her story is a sad one: of a young woman who cannot feel at home in an increasingly oppressive state (who digs punk rock and heavy metal and can't stand conformity) but feels out of place anywhere else. At the same time, the author is clever and self-aware and never lets the story sink to the level of self-pity -- and doesn't shy away from self-criticism.
The animation is unlike anything you are likely to have seen. It matches the expressive simplicity of the graphic novels -- but has a vitality and wit that is uniquely cinematic. It is another reminder that the possibilities of creative storytelling with animation are far from exhausted by the more mainstream approaches of Disney and Dreamworks, or even the wide ranging styles of Japanese Anime.
One of the most touching elements of the story is its tribute to the strength and support of her parents. While sometimes they are exasperated by her behavior they are never less than supportive. Her grandmother, who understands her best, encourages her to hold on to her passion and spunk, but be wise in its expression. A delightful and exciting work -- that is timely in its reminder that our perception of life in other countries should not be dictated exclusively by the stories that appear in the mainstream media. This story, also, does not pretend to capture everything there is to know about Iran -- since it is merely the perspective of one young woman, but a perceptive and intelligent and thoughtful perspective. Highly recommended.
Pure Genius August 3, 2008
This is an animated film based on a true story of a young woman growing up in post-Shah Iran. It is absolutely brilliantly done--the story, the animation, everything. There is bonus material on the DVD where the author can be seen making the movie and telling some back stories about her life.
It is emotionally powerful as it desribes how she does not fit into society--neither her own in Iran, nor anywhere in Europe where she is sent to live and go to school for her own safety. The political situation in Iran is clearly described and we get a real sense of what it must have been like to live in that society. We see innocent people murdered on whims, others hiding their social lives, and all doing their best to survive various religious regimes.
The author's own personal struggle is heart breaking and it is wonderful to know that she eventually found direction in her life, culminating in her success in creating this movie. Very deserving of the Oscar.
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