Persepolis

Tehran, 1978: these are exciting times. There are mass demonstrations in the streets against the Shah's rule, as people want democracy and freedom. Nine-year-old Marjane, a wayward girl from a loving, liberal family, finds all the tumult very interesting, but she likes Bruce Lee films and punk much more. When the Shah is indeed ousted in 1979, the disappointment is great when the new regime turns out to be even more repressive than the previous one, especially towards women. Then, when war with Iraq breaks out, Marjane's parents decide to send her to Vienna. The beginning of very enervating years.

Persepolis is the title of an impressive series of graphic novels, in which cartoonist/writer Marjane Satrapi recounts her life as a child and adult in Iran and Europe. A coming-of-age story about identity, resilience and freedom. Together with cartoonist/filmmaker Vincent Paronnaud, she adapted the series into this intense, critically acclaimed animated film, made in the same restrained style as the graphic novels.