Persepolis

The first this the viewer is treated to in Persepolis is the fantastic title sequence. It adds an elegant point of visual interest to the list of cast and crew members. Done completely in black and white, it looks almost like a chalkboard drawing. In fact, the texturing throughout a lot of the film looks chalky, and the emphasis on monochrome is a constant theme throughout the movie. Few colours are used at all. Negative space is employed effectively, drawing attention to characters in the foreground rather than scenery. The animation is highly stylized and the images stick starkly in the viewers mind.

The storyline and presentation of the characters' struggles is unsentimental and brutally honest in every way. It can be seen as a coming of age film, of a young girl growing up in a damaged and war torn region. The animation both compliments the childish viewpoint, and contrasts against the harrowing subject matter. It work well in balancing the personal and historical issues faced throughout the plot. Although unsentimental, the film still manages to be touching and poignant. An uncomfortable subject is handled with grace and manages to be beautiful to watch.

It is an adult film, similarly to 'Fritz The Cat' and 'Perfect Blue' that deals with very mature themes, proving once again that animation is as viable an art form for adult as it is for child audiences.