Persepolis

Hilarious and absolutely heartbreaking. Persepolis is one of those movies where its brilliant sense of humor is only outmatched by the heart it attaches itself to. The story of Marjane Satrapi is one of oppression, identity, loneliness, and resilience — told through fluid and endlessly charismatic animation. It made me feel so much in such little time; it's a real testament to the quality of not just the animators and screenwriters, but the original graphic novel as well. There is a lot of imagery depicting the cruelties of certain political ideologies — not to sway, but to depict them as they presented themselves to Marjane. Although completely subjective to her experience, it can never not be called unapologetic. It is in this subjectivity that the movie reveals its striking social commentary and poignant political subtext through an emotional and gentle lens. War. Heartbreak. The search for identity. And Michael Jackson. Persepolis is one of the most creative and striking snapshots of not just the life of a headstrong Iranian girl — but her heart as well. Beautiful.