Persepolis (2007)
Persepolis the film is an adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s comic-book memoirs, Persepolis and Persepolis II. It’s the rare adaptation that takes its origin material and turns it into something similar, yet new and wonderful. The two-volume memoirs are favorites of mine, so it would have been easy for the film to disappoint. Yet Satrapi’s collaboration on this work shows. It retains the books’ engaging, simple artwork and adds movement, yet contrasts it with still illustrations as well. The film mirrors the books’ humor, and Satrapi’s young girl in early 80’s war-torn Iran is engaging, as in the book. This film is visually arresting; the story is both particular and universal, as in the best memoirs.