Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Action Comedy Drama Horror Thriller Sci-Fi Romance Mystery Animation Crime
Persepolis (2007) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Persepolis (2007) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2007 · 96 min · English
Directed by
Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud
Starring
Catherine Deneuve, Chiara Mastroianni, Gena Rowlands

During Iran’s Islamic Revolution, a young girl named Marjane experiences firsthand the dramatic upheaval reshaping her country. As a spirited 9-year-old, she challenges the increasingly strict religious regime and embraces Western culture, finding solace in punk rock. Growing up amidst political turmoil and war, she witnesses the harsh realities of a society struggling for freedom, forcing her to confront difficult choices and the loss of innocence.

Biography Drama War Animation Cast, crew & box office
On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (2)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 The book behind the movie
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like Persepolis
  9. 9 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Persepolis (2007)

Where can you watch Persepolis? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on YouTube Free, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

2 main characters · contains spoilers

Persepolis Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Persepolis (2007), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Marjane Satrapi

    Marji is a spirited young girl who evolves into a determined woman amidst the oppressive political turmoil of Iran. Her rebellious nature is reflected in her defiance against societal norms and her quest for personal freedom. Throughout the film, she embodies resilience, courage, and a deep awareness of her cultural identity, confronting the harsh realities of her environment.

    • 👧 Young
    • 💪 Resilient
    • 🎨 Creative

  • Uncle Anoush

    Anoush is a pivotal figure in Marji's life, representing both the costs of activism and the spirit of resistance. His tales from the past serve as both warnings and inspirations for Marji, emphasizing the dangers of standing against oppression. Anoush's tragic fate highlights the brutal consequences faced by those who challenge the status quo.

    • 👨‍🏫 Mentor
    • 🛡️ Brave
    • ⚖️ Injustice

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does Persepolis Take Place?

The setting of Persepolis (2007): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1978 - 1993

The film spans from 1978 to 1993, a period marked by the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. This tumultuous era saw dramatic political changes, the rise of oppressive regimes, and significant societal upheaval, challenging the values and identities of those living through it. It reflects a historical context where individual freedoms were heavily restricted and shaped Marji's personal journey.

Location

Iran, Vienna, Austria

The movie takes place primarily in Iran, a country steeped in rich history and cultural contrasts, especially during the Islamic Revolution. It also features Vienna, Austria, a city known for its artistic heritage and as a refuge for those seeking freedom during tumultuous times. This contrast highlights the differences in societal norms and personal freedoms experienced by Marji as she navigates these environments.

  • 🇮🇷 Iran
  • 🇦🇹 Austria

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

Persepolis Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Persepolis (2007) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Freedom

    The theme of freedom resonates throughout the movie, as Marji experiences both the craving for and the harsh consequences of seeking it. It explores the struggles faced by individuals under oppressive regimes and the sacrifices made for the right to express oneself. The narrative illustrates Marji's growth in understanding the significance of liberty and the fight against conformity.

  • Loss

    Loss is a profound theme in Persepolis, as Marji faces the disappearance of loved ones, the death of friends, and the gradual erosion of her dreams. It effectively conveys the emotional toll of political oppression on personal relationships and the journey of coping with grief. This theme underlines the real-life consequences of war and authoritarianism on individuals and families.

  • Identity

    Identity is a central theme in the film as Marji grapples with her Iranian heritage amidst foreign influences and expectations. Her experiences in Vienna contrast sharply with her life in Iran, complicating her sense of self and belonging. This theme highlights the complexities of cultural identity in a globalized world and the struggles of reconciling different aspects of one's background.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

Persepolis Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Persepolis (2007): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does Persepolis take place?

The film takes place primarily in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, with significant scenes set in Vienna, Austria. These two contrasting locations highlight the stark differences in personal freedom and cultural norms that Marji experiences as she navigates between her homeland and exile.

  • iran
  • vienna
  • setting
  • locations
  • revolution
Q2

What time period does Persepolis cover?

Persepolis spans from 1978 to 1993, covering the Iranian Revolution and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War. This period saw dramatic political upheaval, the rise of oppressive religious rule, and widespread societal changes that deeply impacted Iranian citizens.

  • 1978
  • 1993
  • time period
  • iran-iraq war
  • revolution
Q3

What does Persepolis say about freedom?

The film explores freedom as a central theme, depicting Marji's craving for personal expression under an oppressive regime. It illustrates the harsh consequences of seeking liberty in a restrictive society and shows how political constraints shape individual identity and choice.

  • freedom
  • oppression
  • regime
  • personal liberty
  • resistance
Q4

How does Persepolis explore identity?

Identity is a core theme as Marji grapples with her Iranian heritage while living abroad in Vienna. Her experiences in Austria sharply contrast with life in Iran, forcing her to reconcile different cultural influences and question where she truly belongs.

  • identity
  • cultural identity
  • heritage
  • belonging
  • exile
Q5

What role does loss play in Persepolis?

Loss permeates the film through the disappearance of loved ones, death of friends, and the erosion of Marji's dreams. The narrative conveys the emotional toll of political oppression on personal relationships and shows how war and authoritarianism affect individuals and families.

  • loss
  • grief
  • death
  • war
  • family
Q6

Who is Marjane Satrapi in the film?

Marji is the protagonist, a spirited young girl who grows into a determined woman amid Iran's political turmoil. Her rebellious nature drives her to challenge societal norms and seek personal freedom, embodying resilience and cultural awareness throughout the story.

  • marjane
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • rebellion
Q7

Who is Uncle Anoush and why is he important?

Uncle Anoush is a pivotal figure representing the costs of political activism. His stories inspire Marji's resistance spirit, while his tragic fate illustrates the deadly risks faced by those who oppose oppressive regimes. He serves as both warning and inspiration.

  • uncle anoush
  • activism
  • resistance
  • political opposition
Q8

What was life like in Iran during the Islamic Revolution?

Life in Iran during the Islamic Revolution involved dramatic upheaval as traditional freedoms were stripped away under increasingly strict religious rule. Citizens faced restrictions on expression, clothing, and daily activities while living through war and political violence.

  • islamic revolution
  • iran
  • restrictions
  • religious regime
  • society
Q9

Why does Marjane go to Vienna?

Marji is sent to Vienna as a child to escape the dangerous political situation in Iran. The city represents refuge and freedom but also creates new challenges as she navigates a foreign culture while remaining deeply connected to her Iranian roots.

  • vienna
  • exile
  • escape
  • foreign country
  • Austria
Q10

How does the Iran-Iraq War affect the story?

The Iran-Iraq War背景为故事增添了真实的创伤感。战争造成的人员伤亡和社会混乱直接影响了马吉的成长经历，使她目睹了压迫政权的残酷现实。

  • iran-iraq war
  • war
  • conflict
  • trauma
  • bombing

Movie threads

More Movies Like Persepolis, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Persepolis tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Animated memoirs of turmoil like Persepolis

Personal life stories told through animation amidst historical upheaval. Find movies like Persepolis that blend animation with biography. These films use the medium to explore personal histories set against political revolutions, wars, and cultural shifts, offering poignant and visually distinct stories of resilience and identity.

  • biographical
  • historical
  • resilient
  • nostalgic
  • somber
  • thoughtful
  • Tone: melancholic, reflective, defiant
  • Pacing: steady, chronological
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a linear or reflective biographical arc, charting a character's growth and identity formation within a specific, often turbulent, historical context. The narrative is driven by the intersection of the personal and the political, showing how world events directly impact individual lives, choices, and sense of self.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared foundation in real-life experiences, their use of animation as a narrative tool for memoir, and their central focus on the profound impact of political and social upheaval on an individual's journey.

Memoir of a Snail movie poster

Memoir of a Snail

2024
Persepolis movie poster

Persepolis

2007
Electric Shadows movie poster

Electric Shadows

2005
The Life of Budori Gusuko movie poster

The Life of Budori Gusuko

2012
DC Showcase: Death movie poster

DC Showcase: Death

2019
Tigertail movie poster

Tigertail

2020
The Old Garden movie poster

The Old Garden

2006
The Congress movie poster

The Congress

2014

Coming of age stories during revolution like Persepolis

Young protagonists forging identity amidst societal collapse and rebirth. If you liked Persepolis, explore other movies about young people growing up during revolutions. These films focus on the clash between personal freedom and political oppression, depicting the bittersweet process of finding one's voice in a world turned upside down.

  • defiant
  • oppressive
  • resilient
  • somber
  • lonely
  • thoughtful
  • Tone: somber, defiant, bittersweet
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern follows a young character's adolescence and early adulthood, using their evolving perspective to document the revolution's impact. The journey is marked by traumatic events, ideological conflict with authority figures, and the difficult choice between conformity and rebellion, often leading to exile or a fractured sense of home.

Why they belong together: These films share a core focus on the specific experience of coming of age when societal structures are collapsing. They blend heavy political themes with the intimate emotional journey of youth, creating a powerful sense of melancholy, defiance, and resilience.

1969 movie poster

1969

1988
The Silent Revolution movie poster

The Silent Revolution

2018
Revolution movie poster

Revolution

1985
We Grown Now movie poster

We Grown Now

2024
The Dawning movie poster

The Dawning

1988
Coming Home movie poster

Coming Home

2015
Another Country movie poster

Another Country

1984
The Best of Youth movie poster

The Best of Youth

2005

If you liked this

Movies Like Persepolis

Similar movies to Persepolis: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries
Tehran Taboo movie poster

Tehran Taboo

2018
The Breadwinner movie poster

The Breadwinner

2017
The Day I Became a Woman movie poster

The Day I Became a Woman

2001
Daughters of the Sun movie poster

Daughters of the Sun

2004
Septembers of Shiraz movie poster

Septembers of Shiraz

2016
Maryam movie poster

Maryam

2002
The Persian Version movie poster

The Persian Version

2023
Son-Mother movie poster

Son-Mother

2019
Soraya movie poster

Soraya

2003
Gilaneh movie poster

Gilaneh

2005
The Pleasure of Love in Iran movie poster

The Pleasure of Love in Iran

1976
Niloofar movie poster

Niloofar

2008

Every angle

Persepolis (2007) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Persepolis in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app