Persepolis

A gripping animated story of a young girl in Iran during the fall of the Shah. We see her grow, question the political environment around her and purchase Iron Maiden albums in back alleys. Based on the autobiographical comic by Marjane Satrapi, it’s like no cartoon that has come before. Funny and even a little scary in spots, the film is a constant surprise. Among its pleasures are the young girl belting Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” with her thick accent. The animation is striking black and white, and very unique. It’s been nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar, but was unjustly snubbed in the foreign film category.