Persepolis

This has been sitting in my drafts for the LONGEST time.
Initially I wanted to interview a few Iranian friends about their views on politics in their country, so that I could try to find some sort of common ground. It is mainly to compare what our views are about the country we grew up in.

Watching an animated film when it is about violence, nationalism and the personal story of a citizen in Iran adds certain complexities for the audience. On one hand, I am trying to take it in seriously as a true story. On the other, the animation downplayed much of the intensity and replaced it with images that are not quite real to me. It was lacking some rawness to the entire film. Comic relief is provided throughout the film and I appreciate this perspective as well.

However, that is not the only point I will make about Persepolis. I found Marjane Satrapi’s point of view refreshing, to grow up in the heart of political turmoil as a young girl, with influences that are close to her heart. But it is also honest, because there was a point in her life when she strayed away from all that she had learnt. The many phases of her life shed light on the life of an individual. Growing up as a teenager both at home and abroad, experiencing a different culture as compared to her own, the scarf that draws the spotlight on her and other events become central to her life.

The interrelated text between politics and all other themes are connected closely within the film. The central theme of the autobiography holds a serious note throughout the animated film. However I personally feel that because it is animated, it downplays much of the "real" tension within the subject. Even so, comic relief is provided and I appreciate this perspective.

It does not lose any of its ideas and questions that are presented to Iranians and the rest of the world because the crux of this autobiography is how we view Iran as outsiders and how Iranians view Iran. The comparison is great and also the way the media portrays Iran. We are often misled to believe the media and all it says

The portrayal of a country and its ideals alongside the government with a chaotic undercurrent where the struggle for power would continue to exist within the frame of society, regardless of which country we may be living in. We are given an invitation into Satrapi’s life, her internal struggles and personal turmoil when it come to dealing with family, love, friendship, education and amidst all that, politics were at the center of everything.

In relation to the film and also other articles that have made their comment on the Islam world and its views, I find that it is often unfair for the Muslims, for the fact that they have to defend their faith constantly against those who condemn it. The judgment passed onto the rest of them for the wrong doings of a few are absolutely uncalled for.