Persepolis (PG-13, 2007)
common sense media says
Animated coming-of-age tale is poignant, mature.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this film -- an adaptation of graphic novelist Marjane Satrapi's critically acclaimed memoir about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution -- is animated, it's aimed at adults. There are many references to the atrocities (mostly executions and bombings) of life before, during, and after the revolution. Several scenes involve secret parties during which secular Iranians drink and smoke; as a teenager living in Europe, Marjane also drinks, smokes, tries hash, and sleeps with two guys (at one point, feeling suicidal, she also takes lots of pills). If teens are interested, they'll learn a lot about the harsh realities of life in an oppressive culture. It's worth noting that there are two versions of the film: The original is in French with subtitles; the other is dubbed in English.
Violence:
Several characters die, either by firing squad, public hanging, or falling while running from the police. Blood is depicted as black, oozing from a shadowy/black figure. Other scenes portray bombings, revolutionary battles, and dead victims.
Sex:
Marjane kisses and hugs a couple of characters and catches a boyfriend in bed with another young woman. She admits that she's not virgin and tells her virgin friends back home that sex is good depending on the guy. Marjane's mother reveals that since it's illegal to execute a virgin, unmarried female prisoners are forced to marry soldiers and have `their virginity taken` first.
Language:
Language includes `bastard,` `s--t,` `dick,` and `ass` (dialogue is in French with English subtitles).
Consumerism:
Bruce Lee poster, Bee Gees album, Iron Maiden album, the song `Eye of the Tiger.`
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
A suicidal Marjane takes a lot of pills, and Marjane and her parents attend secret parties where the adults tend to get drunk. As a teenager, Marjane drinks and smokes cigarettes and pot/hash. She also drinks and smokes cigarettes as an adult.
More on Persepolis
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Most useful reviews by all members
<flyboy>
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
Great Animated Movie
Persepolis is interesting in its description of war through a child's eyes. Its a great movie and the animation is cool.
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CSM Screen ...
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
How this got away with a PG-13 rating is mind-boggling.
Persepolis is definitely not a kids film. Don't let the animation and story fool you. If you take your kids to see this boy would you be mad. The sexual content is bad. There is no explicit nudity. But very explicit sexual references throughout that aren't PG-13 material. The language is really iffy and kind of a big issue there is sexual references and graphic swearing. The drugs is the worst part. Throughout teens are smoking and drinking. Overall this is not a kids film and how this got away with a PG-13 rating is mind-boggling this is easily an R rated film.
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Airgirl2010
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Best Movie Ever
This movie is funny and teaches you about the history of Iran at the same time! It lets us see how war , strife and misjudged politics can change a life. Think of what would had happened if Marjane stayed in Iran and there wasn't any strife. Her life would be very diffrent. And of course , the movie might have not existed because she would have had a normal life.....anyway..GREAT MOVIE!! WORTH WATCHING!!!
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mychemchar
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Amazing
I really loved this movie, and the books. It does have some language and Marjane smokes a lot towards the end. If it's ok with your parents you should definitely see this.
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Sk8rgirl
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
One of my faves :D
Im 11. My mom took me to see this when i was 9 and in 4th grade. She (and my dad) were both teens during the revolution.
So anyway, we saw this movie, and I thought it was AMAZING.
Howver, the violence, sex, drugs, and language is too much. For me, at age 9, it was outta control.
but now, I can understand how she felt. She was stuck in the middle of the revolution, a teenager, trying to find her place. Done.
Its a great movie, one of the best evr made, jussss dont let 9 and under see it ;)
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kitkatgurl
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
I am a 10 year old girl. I love this movie. Last night I stayed up to watch it. I have been watching it with my 7 year old brother since 2008. I love this movie.
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CrashMagoo66
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
A great movie worth watching
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ImaMira
adult
adult
a fantastic film for teens & adults
This is an amazing film, and I highly recommend it for older teens & adults. The sex, violence, & drug/alcohol use are perfectly appropriate (not gratuitous) within the context of the film. It is a stunningly smart film, and viewers will learn about modern Iranian history & culture. The movie's depiction of the girl's emotional growth & development of personal courage & perseverance is beautiful to watch and inspiring. The family relationships are very positive, which is refreshing in a movie these days. I wouldn't call it an uplifting film, due to some tragic content, but it is powerful, and I enjoyed every minute watching it.
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jason913
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
A great film! Wow, that heading, sucks
If you let your kids watch any movie just because it's animated, then you're ridiculous.
Think I'm lying? Just watch this.
This is a challenging, yet rewarding film mainly set in Iran, focusing on the author, Marjane Satrapi's childhood, teendom, and adulthood.
The film doesn't shy away from the important political and moral issues surrounding these issues, but it's all the better for that reason.
In conclusion, this film may be a bit hard to swallow at times, and is definitely not a kids' film, but it is still great.
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brak show345
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
graet movie!!!!!
It's a great animation, but not for young kids.
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Oscarlove
kid, 9 years old
kid, 9 years old
This should have won the oscar
With it's great anmation, persepolis is a must-see, but here's something to remmber: this is a war film: which means there is people being shot. There's also some drinking at parties and a scene with a man and woman in bed. And if that's not enough there's even swearing. Still this is a great film for tweens.
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