Part German expressionist exercise, part pop culture riff, and all feminist attitude and fury, Persepolis is an animated feature that uses the medium to tell one of the most potentially divisive and inflammatory tales in the history of the medium, yet is so funny, touching, and just plain odd (gotta love the French) that it manages to do so behind a wink and a smile that barely masks its central character’s ire.

Persopolis is the true story of Marjane Satrapi, who wrote the graphic novel upon which the film is based, and also serves as co-writer and director of the film. The film opens in the late 1970’s. Iran is still under the control of the Shah, but revolution is in the air, as communists and radicals hint that a shift in power back to the people is imminent. When the revolution begins, however, Iran is thrown into chaos, made all the worse by a full-blown assault from neighboring Iraq, and the country becomes a warzone. While the war rages on, Iran embraces religion as its guiding force, as clerics and radicals impose new laws upon the frightened citizens, and rounds up and executes the very same people who were responsible for removing the Shah from power. Marjane’s parents – who originally supported the revolution – now realize that life in Iran has become almost unbearable, and send their young daughter to Europe for her schooling. It’s here that Marjane develops into a young woman, embraces her sexuality and freedom. However, Marjane is also deeply homesick, and, eventually, returns to her home only to discover that it’s even worse off than it was when she left.

Presented almost entirely in black, white, and various shades of gray (although there are some full color scenes of Marjane in the “present”), Persepolis is a gorgeous example of the power of animation. This stunningly complex, hysterically funny, and, oftentimes, heart-wrenching tale of one woman’s personal revolution against oppression is amongst the finest films of 2007, and should be essential viewing for anyone looking for insight into the often misunderstood plight of the Persian people. Just all around brilliant.

While one might not think that a black and white “cartoon” could gain much from an HD transfer, the truth is Persepolis, with its stark contrasts and fine, hand-drawn animation, looks absolutely stunning. The film’s impact is dependent on its deep blacks and bright whites, both of which are displayed with awesome clarity and depth that jumps right off of the screen.

Equally impressive is the film’s Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack (available in a wonderful English dub that features Sean Penn, Genna Rowland, and Iggy Pop amongst others, as well as the original French) as the sound effects and music (and, of course, the dialogue) play just as important a role as the visuals in establishing the film’s mood. This isn’t an all-out aural assault by any means, but what’s here is quite rich and satisfying, and everything from the bombs falling on Tehran to Marjane’s patented aggravated wailing come across with a depth that’s on par with the animation. It’s really nice stuff.

Extras include a pair of making-of features; one featuring the English dub, and, presented in English, while the more in-depth making-of featurette “Hidden Side of Persepolis” is a fascinating look at the French approach to animation, as well as the origins of the project. Each of these features, as well as the film’s “select scene” commentary, feature the very excitable and extremely likeable Satrapi, who is even more animated than her cartoon counterpart. Other bonuses include a discussion panel culled from the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, scene comparisons, and trailers.

I think it’s safe to say that Persepolis is a film like nothing I’ve seen before.  It’s a rich, compelling, heart-breaking, and immensely satisfying comedy/drama that also happens to be one of the most innovative and eye-popping approaches to “traditional animation” I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. Highly recommended.