The interesting thing about reviewing movies is that at any given time you can be handed a movie that is just so out of your usual realm of movie watching. That is what I like about reviewing movies. You get to experience so many different genres than the typical mainstream flick. So, when the time came to review Persepolis, I knew this would be one of those times. However, could my mainstream mind handle the change?

Persepolis focuses on Marjane; a young Iranian girl who bears witness to the changes made in the late 70’s during the Islamic Revolution and follows her life from the age of nine to her mid-twenties. After the fall of the Shah, her family was convinced that things would now be different. A democracy was finally on the horizon, but it was not to be. The death toll of the population had risen, family members killed for no other reason than wanting their freedom. The Islamic fundamentalists took over Iran and have placed new rules. Women are to be covered completed. They are also not to socialize with men. The times were changing and not for the better.

Not one for following the rules, Marjane spoke her mind to anyone who would listen. With bombs falling on Iran from Iraq as well as Marjane’s attitude regarding the new regime, her parents decide it is best that she go to school in Austria.

After not fitting in at the nunnery she was living at while attending school, Marjane is kicked out and is forced to live on her own, trying to find a place to stay. Although she is able to find friends, she just can’t find happiness. She doesn’t want to have to lie about who she is to people who can’t appreciate her for who she is. Marjane wants nothing more than to find happiness and maybe even someone to love. However, to do that she feels the need to go back home, regardless of its shortcomings.

Upon arriving home, Marjane sees that nothing has changed, in fact things are much worse.

I didn’t know much about Iran in the 70’s and how it came to be what it is today. I only knew what I saw on the television, read in newspapers or on the internet. Of course, this is one person’s perspective and is subject for debate. I am thankful that I live in country that allows me to do as I please, within the law, and that I don’t have to fear doing it. I can listen to what I want, spend time with whom I choose and watch what I want.

Video

I have seen quite a few good transfers here on Blu Ray and Persepolis puts most of them to shame. The 1080P High definition transfer, shot in 1.85:1, comes just about as clean as can be. The film, which is in black and white, really has no flaws. Every detail is exceptional and I spotted not one thing wrong with this picture. The print is pristine.

Blacks were perfect, the whites were wonderful. It was a pleasure to view. I didn’t know what to except from a black and white animated film. The drawing of the characters and the detail that went into making them perfect really paid off. All of the imagery for the film was hand drawn and it is really just mind blowing as to how good this looks.

Audio

Presented in both English and French 5.1 True HD, the soundtrack is very decent. I decided to listen to the film in English instead of the original French language. Given the black and white of the film, reading the subtitles I felt would be difficult. What I did watch of the film with English subtitles and the French soundtrack, the translation was not perfect. Of course, that is pretty much to be expected.

English, French and Spanish subtitles are available.

Surrounds did present themselves but it was fairly low key to my ears. Mind you, that isn’t a bad thing for this type of film. It really was a nice pleasant audio experience, it just didn’t blow me away.

Special Features

The Hidden Side of Persepolis

• Here is where you can see how the characters were created by the artists that created them. Experience the thought process and the amount of time it took to draw each and every image by hand.

Behind The Scenes

• This focuses on the people who voiced the characters for the film.

Cannes Film Festival Press Conference

• Basic Q&A session with the creators of the film.

Selected Scenes Commentary

Animated Scene Comparisons with commentary by Marjane Satrapi

Final Thoughts

I had to watch the film twice to really get a grip on what it was I was watching. The second time around, I was able to understand more and have a better appreciation for what I was being told. I can understand why some would not agree with the making of this film because they have specific beliefs and choose to live them the way they are told. Of course, others have the freedom to feel the opposite.

If you are looking for a change from the normal, mainstream movie viewing, then Persepolis is for you. With a wonderful picture and incredibly interesting story, this is an easy film to recommend.