Persepolis

Persepolis (2007): Starring Chiara Mastroianni, Danielle Darrieux, Catherine Deneuve, Simon Abkarian
Persepolis is an animated adaptation of the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi about her life growing up in Iran during Islamic revolution. She listens to the stories of her parents about the cruelty of the Shah, and watches in horror as the strict religious theocracy gets elected in his place. Perhaps Marjane wasn't even aware of the magnitude of the historical events unfolding around her at the time, but in retrospect, wrote a story heavily steeped in them. There are lots of little touches here to make this more than just a historical drama: such as when her uncle makes a little swan out of bread for her while in prison, or when her grandmother tells her she puts fresh jasmine petals in her bra every morning so that she'll smell good all day. Eventually, Marjane's parents send her to Europe to live, and she finds herself alone as an outsider in a culture that's already judged her based on where she came from. Artistically, the movie is animated in a simple style, heavy dark shades are used everywhere. And yet, there's a great detail to some of the scenes. It's almost easy to forget you're watching an animated movie.
**** out of *****