Persepolis

Writer and director Marjane Satrapi's coming-of-age story is nothing short of a tour de force. Faithfully lifted from her autobiographical novel, this beautiful film is seen through the eyes of Marjane, a courageous, punk-loving, Abba-listening young girl who is living in 1970s Iran as the Shah's dictatorial reign draws to a close. There is great excitement in the Satrapi household, for Marjane's intellectual parents believe a new era of freedom will now begin. However they soon discover that the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own. Marjane, fearless and full of fun, nonetheless continues to defy restrictions and refuses to remain silent at the injustices she sees. Fearing for her safety, her parents send her, aged fourteen, to Vienna to live and study. It is the beginning of a profound and revealing journey – told with great humour and emotion – where Marjane discovers where she truly belongs.