Python Hyena Persepolis (2007): Dir: Marjane Satrapi / Voices: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Simon Abkarian, Danielle Darrieux, Francois Jerosme: Unique animated film that isn't for families but for those scholars of animation, they will definitely find much to appreciate with its different approach to the genre. It deals with serious issues regarding persecution and family as well as the harsh condition for which these people endured. It chronicles the life of a young Muslim girl whose wild imagination often verges trouble. She lives through the Iran / Iraq war but is spirited away at the urge of her family where she grows weary of a school in Vienna. Director Marjane Satrapi delivers an original animated style that is backed with themes of economic distress. Characters and the world they inhabit are mostly black and white, which endorses the particular style and mood of the film. The voice talents include Chiara Mastroianni who lights up the lead and her open imagination during the war and destruction of society. Catherine Deneuve, and Simon Abkarian voice her parents while Danielle Darrieux voices her grandmother. Francois Jerosme voices an uncle. One thing that becomes clear is that a good imagination comes in handy during times of extreme duress, and this film demonstrate that quality effectively. The film voices its message through its unique animated style. Score: 9 / 10

viabilityfer Persepolis is a film adapted from the autobiography compiled by Marjane Satrapi. It depicts her life as a child growing up around the time of the Iranian revolution in '79, her life as an adolescent in Europe, and her return to Iran and young adult life. The animation is two dimensional and in black and white, which I like as it evokes the same feelings as the novel. It is simple but still quite appealing and well put together. The progression flows very well, if a bit brief at times. The film works both as a coming of age story and political film, with these elements intertwining. Satrapi did a wonderful job at telling her story, it is fascinating throughout and structured perfectly. Anyone can identify with her in some way, even if one hasn't experienced such oppression from a government, certainly they felt as she did at one time. The only thing that refrains me from giving Persepolis a higher rating then an 8 is that the film is honestly too short at 90 minutes. The graphic novel had some great situations/subplots that I think the film could have drawn more attention to. I think if it was around maybe 30 or 40 minutes longer it would have been perfect.

Red_Identity Well, it took me long enough to finally get around to watching this. Ever since its release, it's been one of those films I said I'd watch one day. I don't exactly know why I took this long, but it surpassed my expectations. It's completely engrossing, the animation really does wonders for this coming-of-age story, sort of hard to see it being done any other way. The editing work here is pretty amazing, always finding a fresh and seamless approach to balancing its many different cuts in time. I'm not necessarily sure that I think it's better than Ratatouille, another truly amazing animated film, but it definitely deserved a Screenplay nomination at the least.

allenc-reese This was one of the worst movies I've ever had the misfortune to sit through. There was no plot, no joy - but relentless misery, and a hit-you-over-the-head message landing with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, over and over and over again. I liked the artwork, thought the start boded well, and settled in to a meandering tale. If the idea was to push the viewer to want to play in traffic, then it was a success. The main character was completely unsympathetic despite the horrific things that happened to her and her family. This is a film made about a terrible time and injustice done to millions. Don't think I'm unsympathetic to any of that. Just please don't make anyone watch this movie to get the point.