Persepolis

‘Persepolis’ was really an eye-opener that showed how culture can differ so vastly from one place to another, from what people are allowed to wear or say to how the authorities govern the people. Living in the Malaysia’s biggest city in the 21st century, it is difficult to envision the struggles and restrictions faced by the Iranians during the wars and unrest of the 80’s but this animated feature spelled it out clear and simple. Malaysia itself consists of a very large Muslim population yet the Islamic republic portrayed in the movie is so shockingly different from anything we have ever experienced.

The thing that struck me the most was the oppression that the people faced, made all the worse by the short-lived euphoria they felt when the Shah was overthrown. They thought that things would get better but instead the opposite happened. Before, during the Shah’s reign, the administration was flawed but the negative impacts were not so strongly felt by the people. After the Shah though, the people were heavily oppressed. There was no freedom. They needed to mind everything they do or say for fear of being prosecuted by the new government. All things related to Western culture were forbidden; even Michael Jackson, who was arguably non-controversial, was banned. Because the protagonist, Marji was female, the oppression of females was featured even more prominently in the movie. A few millimeters of exposed hair would earn you the label of ‘slut’. Restrictions such as these makes Malaysia seems liberal and rich with choices in comparison.

The severity of life in Iran was contrasted even further with cultures outside of Iran when Marji goes overseas to study and to escape what her parents thought would be a harsh future for an outspoken young woman like her. Overseas in Vienna, she made acquaintances with a bunch of misfits of the punk-rocker variety. Like many youths who affect an attitude of cynicism, these posers are happy to wax philosophical about things they have never even experienced such as wars and political strife while ensconced in the comfort of a private school. They complain about the rich while using Daddy’s money to fund their excessive lifestyles. Marji strives to fit in but she knows she is different because unlike them, her desire to rebel is motivated by something real, not merely an affectation to look cool.

Upon returning to her home country, the situation in Iran seemed even more ludicrous after her brief exposure to the liberal culture of the West. Policemen chided her for running because eyes would be drawn to her bottom while men stare at her as though she is a prostitute just because she had on make-up. However, the Marji who returned from Vienna is changed and rebels in many different little ways. She shouts at the policemen who scolded her. She goes to underground parties where the risks are high if one gets caught. At an art class in university, she expresses her frustration when they are unable to learn or draw anything.

Apart from Marji the protagonist, the most memorable character and my favorite was her grandmother. Even Marji, at her lowest and most troubled moments, still thought of her grandmother and the advice she gave her which is to always be true to herself. She was also brutally honest. After Marji returned from Vienna, she tried her hardest to get her to live again, instead of just lying all day on the couch. She also scolded Marji severely when she did something very mean which she thought was very clever. But most of all, she is memorable for her strength and the way she stood up to the oppression they faced. For example, when Marji became so accustomed to wearing the headscarf that she even forgot to take it off indoors, her grandmother gets quietly angry and reminds Marji to never let fear becomes so restrictive until it becomes part of oneself.