Review by gloria wong.

Fans of Marjane Satrapi's now-classic series of graphic novels Persepolis can breathe a sigh of relief - Persepolis the film is lovely.

Since Satrapi wisely chose to make a mostly independent adaptation herself (with collaborator Vincent Paronnaud), I guess we didn't have a lot to worry about. Persepolis tells some of Satrapi's life story - from her childhood in Iran and the swift and brutal changes the country underwent following the 1979 Revolution and subsequent near-decade of bloody warfare with Iraq, to her adolescence and young adulthood living in and out of Tehran. It's in many ways a classic coming-of-age story - albeit one greatly elevated by its unique context, and its author's sharp sense of humour (about herself most of all) and compassionate nature.

But those of you who read the graphic novels already know all of this. I suppose the biggest surprise about this adapatation is that first-time filmmaker Satrapi and Parronaud (who's made only one other feature) have managed to create a highly accomplished film. Animated mostly in black and white, its organic, fluid style slyly recalls both The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Peanuts cartoons, with wonderful use of texture and shadow throughout. Persepolis transforms an excellent graphic novel into an excellent film.

Persepolis
Marjane Satrapi & Vincent Paronnaud | France | 2007 | 95min

Mon. Oct. 1 | 10:00am | Empire Granville Theatre
Sun. Oct. 7 | 7:00pm | Empire Granville Theatre
Thur. Oct. 11 | 11:00am | Empire Granville Theatre