Based on the graphic novels by Marjane Satrapi, PERSEPOLIS (the name of the ancient Persian capital) is the coming-of-age story of feisty Marjane (voiced by Chiara Mastroianni) as she struggles with her personal life and political issues.  From a child growing to a budding rebellious youth living in Austria, Iran and then France, PERSEPOLIS is a meticulously made film of a misunderstood female affected by the equally misunderstood nation of Iran.

Using animation to tell a story allows a film to progress more fluidly and artistically.  The use of jasmine flowers to illustrate the influence of the grandmother (Danielle Darrieux) on Marjane works well.  The stark, mostly black and white images emphasize the bleak pessimistic environment surrounding Marjane.  Yet Marjane’s spirit remains unperturbed despite her often getting into trouble.  Her film similarly displays her zest for life.  What is moving is that Marjane is shown as a humane creature full of failings and longings but mostly as one who never gives up on life, her biggest blow being her love life.  The politics is not overbearing.  Satrapi and Paronnuad keep it at a minimum, often just mentioning names of the country’s leaders.  (Ayatollah Khomeini’s name is not mentioned at all.)

Satrapi often opens the audience’s eyes to differing points of view.  One for example is when Satrapi is told that the veil frees a woman from men.  This is true following the man troubles she encounters.

The film ends rather abruptly with Satrapi just before middle age indicating a possibility of a sequel.  This would be a welcome wait.  PERSEPLOIS is France’s Best Foreign Film Entry for this year’s Oscars.  If it wins, PERSEPOLIS will be the first animated feature to win in this Oscar category.