Based on an autobiographical graphic novel written by Marjane Satrapi, “Persepolis” is a French-American co-production co-written and co-directed by Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. This animated film tells the tale of a rebellious young woman living in repressive, fundamentalist Iranian society. At the beginning of the film, Marjane remembers her childhood in Iran, particularly the time after the Iranian revolution when religious fundamentalists took over the power and instituted a number of oppressive measures and limited the freedoms of its people. Marjane is a rebellious child fascinated with the western culture who keeps getting into trouble for speaking her mind. When the Iran-Iraq War breaks out the Iranian government becomes even more repressive and Marjane’s parents send her to a French lyceum in Vienna out of fear for her safety. Marjane has problems adjusting to the life in Europe and is unable to make friends. After her rebellious behavior continues she gets kicked out of the lyceum. She ends up living in a house of a retired philosophy teacher, Frau Dr. Schloss. She has a couple of relationships that end badly and ends up living on the street after being accused of stealing from Dr. Schloss, nearly dying of bronchitis. After recovering, she returns to Iran. There she becomes depressed and attempts suicide, but later finds the strength to carry on. Seeing how the Iranian government has become even more tyrannical she eventually goes back to Europe, where she learns to make peace with herself and her roots.
Jennifer Lawrence might join Chris Martin on tour
