16. Persepolis (2007)

Comics are often adapted into movies.  Batman, the Green Lantern (who recently came out), Spiderman, Doraemon, and countless other characters first began their lives in books before they hit our screens.    Persepolis is one of these films.  Based on the comic written by Iranian Marjane Satrapi (who has also written Chicken with Plums and Embroideries, both excellent) the film tells the coming of age story of a young girl from Iran.

Following the overthrow of the Shah in the 1970s, the young heroine witnesses the repression of the Irani people and is sent away to study in Vienna by her family. The film is sweet and intensely political, offering childhood perception on diverse themes such as democracy, freedom of expression, the veil, emigration and exile.  


Both the movie and the comic are to be enjoyed with a sense of humour!