Persepolis

Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis (2007) is based on Satrapi's graphic novel which - in turn - was based on her own experiences of growing up in Iran and Europe. Marjane is a 10-year-old girl when the Iranian Revolution takes place in 1979. The Shah of Iran is replaced by Islamic fundamentalists. Unfortunately, The new Iran isnt better than under the rule of Shah - in fact it's even worse.

The film follows the aftermaths of the revolution - and a terrible war - with stunning depth. The storytelling is complex and phenomenal. The film seamlessly moves between the content's personal and social layers and the density of its content is unbelievable.. Marjane's coming-of-age is portrayed in a delightfully detailed way. For example, her moody relationship with God is briefly yet brilliantly handled in the film.

The film's imaginative (mostly) black and white animation is perfect. The character and art design are unforgettable. The film's use of music gives a strong image of what the world was like back then. I would especially like to mention the hilarious rendition of Eye of the Tiger, used in order to mock cinematic training montages.

In short, Persepolis is a brilliant account of what has happened in Iran in the past few decades - and it also impugns the positive views of Europe. The film is surely one of the masterpieces of the decade.

Score: 10 out of 10