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| Movie Review: Persepolis Alternate Title: Lost in Transition
Story: I may have to rethink
my usual negativity when it comes to animation on the big screen. This
warm, sensitive, funny, sad and intelligent film has altered all of
my preconceived ideas. It was written and directed by Marjane
Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud and is based
on the two autobiographical graphic novels by Ms. Satrapi. The film spans the political turmoil in Iran
from 1978 through the mid -1990's. How little Marjane, who was a child
when the Shah was overthrown, perceives the vastly changing world around
her is the heart and soul of the film. How does a kid understand revolution,
executions, torture, jail and death? How her upper class, intellectual
family handles the upheaval and still tries to have Marjane lead a normal
life is touching and real. Marjane's exploits include an escape to Vienna
for her teenage years, back to Iran, when she longs for home, regardless
of the costs and her final exodus out of Iran as a young woman to France.
You will care deeply for the characters. It is great storytelling. It
is history told through a child's eye. It is fine cinema. Do not let the simple black and white animation
fool you. There is nothing black and white about his film. PS. Persepolis was the name of the Persian capital
that was founded in the 6th Century BC and was later destroyed by Alexander
the Great. Acting: The wonderful warm voices include Chiara
Mastroianni as teenage and adult Marjane, Catherine
Deneuve (real life mother of Chiara Mastroianni) as the mother
Tadji, Danielle Darrieux as the spicy grandmother,
Simon Abkarian as the father, Ebi, Gabrielle
Lopes as young Marjane and François Jerosme
as the doomed, Uncle Anouche. Predilection: I do like politics and this film is
about politics.
Critters: Two funny dogs, one named Shotzi and one
named Yutzi and a cat.
Food: Animated pasta
Sex Spectrum: There is sex - but we do not see any.
Blatant Product Placement: Some musicians are named
such as the Bee Gees, Michel Jackson and Iron Maiden - all in funny
sequences.
Soundtrack: Delightful.
Opening Titles: Lovely black, white and gray graphics,
Visual Art: Animation coordinated by a very talented
Christian Desmares.
Theater Audience: Fairly crowded for the day after
Christmas.
Weather: Iran has four seasons.
Sappy Factor: 0
Squirm Scale: Jail is squirmy and the Islamic fashion
police are also squirmy.
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout.
Predictability Level: I was not sure what was going
to happen.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: The film shared the top prize at Cannes
this year and is French film entry for the Oscars.
Big Screen or Rental: Either would be fine.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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