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Persepolis

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Persepolis

I recently saw this movie and loved it. I haven't met anyone who disliked it, but the problem is finding someone who has actually seen it.

I know everyone here is a big animation nerd, so have you guys seen it? What do you think? I think it still might be in the running for best animated feature category at the oscar's but it didn't make it to the short list for best foreign film.

-moot

Z
Z's picture

Hm. I want to see it, but I don't think it's showing anywhere near where I live. I'll wait for it to come out on DVD and rent it. It looks kinda interesting.

--Z

It opened on only 18 screens nationwide, so it's tough to find.

It's "coming soon" to a theater near my house, and I'll be in line the night it opens. I've seen clips, and it looks very interesting.

What's it about? Give us a quick review.

Mahalo,
the Ape

...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."

The movie focuses on a girl's experiences growing up during the islamic revolution in Iran during the last 30 years of the 20th century and her families experiences with the political change happening during that time.

It's a movie that if it was done live action it would become tedious, but animation gives it an edge that is very refreshing and surprising. It has everything a good movie should have and since the style is so simple, every line sings. It also really makes you think about the difference between what you believe and what you think you're supposed to believe.

Highly recommended.

-bloaty

This was originally a graphic novel that was very well done. You'd think it would be a very dark, disturbing story, but there's actually a lot of humor in it. Apparently for the movie (I haven't seen it yet) they've attempted to match Satrapi's style from the book--you can see her style here: http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/persepolis.html

I found Persepolis' musical numbers to be greatly lacking in both frequency and Broadwayesque-quality. "Aladdin" it ain't.

Z
Z's picture

I found Persepolis' musical numbers to be greatly lacking in both frequency and Broadwayesque-quality. "Aladdin" it ain't.

...I hope that was supposed to be sarcastic.

I haven't seen the movie, but from what I know about it, I don't think Broadway/Disney style songs would fit the tone of the film. I hear that the movie has a surprising amount of comedy to it...but even so....

--Z

I haven't seen the movie, but from what I know about it, I don't think Broadway/Disney style songs would fit the tone of the film.

Oh, really? I beg to differ and accept your challenge to fit the two together. Ahem.

"So Pahlavi turns out to be merely a toady,
A US pawn, need I go on,
take it from Khomeini.
His autocratical flaws
made him most hated of Shahs,
And sent him packing on a one-way-trip
So his oil stocks take a permanent dip
His SAVAK broken, his exile chosen
is Egypt of course - whoopee!
So long, ex-Shah Pahlavi!"

*record scratching sound-effect* :cool:

I walked in expecting to love it and walked out underwhelmed.
I had hoped to learn something about Iran and aside from secret parties, everything seemed common knowledge.

Artistcally, I enjoyed the style and loved the B/W approach. The childhood and war scenes were captivating. The young adult years, not so much.

The characters were well developed and she succeeded in creating a universal sense of family, friends and lovers. As a personal journey, it was successful.

Discussing it with my mom on the way home, I said I was disappointed the main character didn't exactly do anything. She said, having lived through WWII in Holland, that surviving was enough.

So, big kudos for heart and beauty but it lost a bit for uneven pacing in a weak 3rd act.

I walked in expecting to love it and walked out underwhelmed.

That's the closest description to my experience that I've seen. I wasn't expecting to love it, but I was expecting a richer experience than the one I got.

I've read the graphic novel - heard of the film - didn't know it was out until now - and I want to see it.

Mike Futcher - www.yogyog.org

I went to see it not knowing much about the film or what it was about. As a film, I loved it. I found it really engaging. And funny