Persepolis (2007)

Marjane Satrapi (Chiara Mastroianni) is a young girl growing up under a rapidly changing Iranian government. She was about nine years old at the onset of the Iranian Revolution, during which time the monarchic dictatorship under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was overthrown and Iran became an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Her parents (Catherine Deneuve and Simon Abkarian) were urban educated and hoped for a positive change in the politic arena after the Shah’s rule, while Marjane’s understanding of politics is somewhat naïve. During revolts against the Shah, Marjane’s Communist uncle is released from prison and is later arrested under the new Islamic regime and sentenced to death. His story, as well as the volatile political landscape changing around her, has a great effect on Marjane, who rebels against the new ‘traditions’ by altering the required body-engulfing robe with aspects of punk, reflecting the defiance in her musical tastes. Marjane’s parents and her grandmother (Danielle Darrieux) begin to worry for her, and wonder if perhaps its best that Marjane escape from Iran while she has a chance.