Persepolis [2008] - DVD (Catherine Deneuve - Dir: Vincent Paronnaud)

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Customer Reviews of Persepolis [2008]

Sally
Bournemouth UK
29th December 2008

Beautiful animation and powerful story
I am glad that I bought this film rather than rented it as I would like to revisit this film from time to time, not just for the storyline but also for the fabulous black and white animation which makes each frame a work fo art.

The film tells the story of the downfall of the Shah and life afterwards from the point of view of a normal though rebellious Iranian girl in a middle class family. At the same time the girl goes through the usual trials and tribulations of any teenager and young woman. You can easily forget this is just an animation and become very involved in the feelings of the girl to the point of tears at times. It is amazing that a cartoon can evoke such feelings.

I like the film from an historical point of view too as I have recently read Shah of Shahs by Ryziard Kapucinski which also details the crimes perpetrated by the Shahs henchmen in the leadup to the overthrow by the fundamentalists. This is a story that needs to be told and the writers and directors here have done an excellent job.

nancyjanin

15th December 2008

See it!
A beautifully modern perspective on past decades in Iran. I really enjoyed the art and music as well.

RSM
Herts, UK.
11th November 2008

Missed opportunity to educate about the revolution.
Disappointing. I expected quite a lot of detail about life in Iran and the oppressions forced upon the people following the deposition of the Shah in the late 70's. What followed was really just the most cursory glance at the changing culture, before the 'heroine' Marjane hastily departed for Europe. The subsequent university years were much more about growing up and self-discovery, and told me next to nothing about the impact of the establishment of the islamic republic back home. A watchable film - but not really Oscar material, in my opinion.

C. Cresswell
London United Kingdom
11th October 2008

rather so-so
rather middle of the road in all areas. the central character of the story, Marjane, does not stand out as a great person or someone anyone can really sympathise with, simply an ordinary person in a difficult situation. but we never really get anything more than anyone who watches the news should expect. yes, there is always a liberal undercurrent resisting a dictatorship but marjane is an observer rather than a participant, and a limited observer at that.

neither the animation or musical score improves the film to any great degree. adequate comes to mind. and the other staple of resistance to oppression, some humour, rarely features in the film (although it was played up in the ads for the film).

this was watchable but rent it rather than buy it, or watch something else which will leave a bigger impact.

Midasin
London, England
26th September 2008

Easy to criticize, but ...
Some reviewers have criticized Marjane for seemingly complaining that the Iranian regime tried to stop her and her associates from partying. I would not defend partying of this kind, but it is evident that these critical reviewers have not had the experience of living under a tyrannical regime. I would not wish it on anyone. To dissociate oneself from a pervasive and dominant foli à plusieurs is incredibly difficult and many people go insane in the attempt or commit suicide.

In fact this book and DVD is very helpful in understanding how many people inevitably react in a repressive, authoritarian regime when trying to maintain a personal integrity. If you squeeze a balloon in one place, it will splurge out in another - often in an unpalatable way. What amazes me is how dissidents manage to remain sane in authoritarian regimes of this nature. The author, and her family, should be commended for having done so. It also takes courage to produce an account of this sort.

I would unreservedly recommend "Persepolis", both in book form and in DVD format, despite the inevitable unpalatability of some of the content. It may be uncomfortable, but it should function a warning to us as to what could happen in the UK unless we face reality now and stop engaging in denial.