Persepolis
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: December 25, 2007
8.7
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 222 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
205
Mixed:
9
Negative:
8
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
smijatovAug 19, 2010
Visually beautiful, especially with the use of the white and black, 'Persepolis' achieves what many animated films lately have lacked: to give us some actual knowledge about something happening in the world. As beautiful as 'Up' and 'ToyVisually beautiful, especially with the use of the white and black, 'Persepolis' achieves what many animated films lately have lacked: to give us some actual knowledge about something happening in the world. As beautiful as 'Up' and 'Toy Story 3' may be, they do not teach us about the world things we haven't known before. 'Persepolis' gives us a tangible example of the diversity of cultures, ways of thinking and acting and how someone may be found to be living in the wrong place.
I do not believe that this is an anti-Iranian film, after all, one of the "takeaway points" of the film is to be proud of who you are - which the director/author clearly is, and she makes it a point of pride. However, politics in Iran are definitely under attack here - but why not? Just because it is an animated film does not mean it cannot contain messages: clearly, what was happening in Iran at the time of the Islamic Revolution was not right, irrelevant of whether one believes it is 'anti-Iranian' to think that way or not. And, I think, most importantly, it shows to world-audiences (and especially US audiences) that Iran has also people who are like themselves, just that one cannot express it openly, and that Iran used to be quite a "normal" place before the revolution - not unlike Europe or anywhere else in the 'developed' world.

Definitely, it is a highly recommendable film for its artistry and its heart-wrenching story.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
AndrewGOct 9, 2009
God, this film was funny.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
JakeH.May 24, 2008
Absolute brilliance... Best animated film ever in FRENCH!!!!
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
avatar16Jan 28, 2012
Ne serait-ce pas de la vantardise de la part de Marjane Satrapi de vouloir adapter sa propre bande dessinée autobiographique en film d'animation? Peut-être, peut-être pas... Dans tous les cas, leNe serait-ce pas de la vantardise de la part de Marjane Satrapi de vouloir adapter sa propre bande dessinée autobiographique en film d'animation? Peut-être, peut-être pas... Dans tous les cas, le résultat est tout simplement stupéfiant. Tout d'abord du côté du scénario, qui nous conte l'histoire d'une petite fille qui va vivre et grandir dans (et même en dehors) un pays (l'Iran) que l'auteur se doit de nous révéler tous les maux que subisse chaque habitant (religion forcée, gouvernement tyrannique, isolement aux pays occidentaux...). De plus, quand la petite Marjane se retrouve à Vienne, l'auteur touche également les problèmes de différences, d'intégrité... Tant de sujets traîtés durant 1h35, avec justesse, humour et surtout émotion. Quant à l'animation, elle reste dans l'esprit de la bande dessiné d'origine et offre à Persepolis bien plus que de la simplicité. Reste les doublages français, quelque peu oubliables. Mais cela n'empêche pas Persepolis d'être une claque dans son genre.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
HondzikSep 22, 2013
I simply loved this movie, the main character and her somewhat intense life. Its both adorable and freaking cruel, with the minimalistic animations its just one of few masterpieces in animated world.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Skullgirlsfan13Jun 1, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Persepolis is a dive into the world of Iranian culture; sort of. It's main focus of course is the life of a young girl as she grows up from the traumatic experience of the Iranian revolution. As a whole the movie works remarkably well, it doesn't try to preach about how bad/difficult it was to be in Iran during the time, but rather shows how the main character thinks about it. Speaking about the main character, this is such a great character; in fact they fell like real people. She has the aspects of an average everyday person, she's curious, she can be bratty, she has common interest, and goes through problems that others go through to. The main character is probably the best part of the movie, but I would say that the second biggest compliment I would give is the animation. It's definitely a unique style, using black and white as the main visual color. Usually color can express emotions for a scene, but this movie makes to odd decision to show color only in the present day scenes. It isn't a detriment to the film though, so I guess it's okay. I guess that my only problems I have is perhaps the ending, I just don't it. Is it that she now accepts her origin of being Iranian? I don't know. Also the swearing; at times effective, is a bit harsh or just arkward in certain scenes. Like when the grandma keeps talking about balls throughout the film, it's just doesn't seem to fit and isn't really that appropriate. That aside, this is a marvelous film, one of the best animated movies out there; especially one that is overlooked, give it a look.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
UtopianStuffMay 27, 2013
Should have been nominated as best picture of 2007. Persepolis is the autobiography of Marjane Satrapi's life as an Iranian girl during the height of the Islamic Revolution. With a great premise, a great setting, great actors and an amazingShould have been nominated as best picture of 2007. Persepolis is the autobiography of Marjane Satrapi's life as an Iranian girl during the height of the Islamic Revolution. With a great premise, a great setting, great actors and an amazing amount of intelligent idealism, Persepolis must've swept the Oscars.

The movie had hearty and relatable characters, characters that are very hard to find in the movies of today. And the dialog between the characters was as if they hired their writers from the New You've got very intelligent and clever dialog, most quotes might last with you forever. The movie's script and plot was completely flawless.

A message for the parents, it may look like a "cute" cartoon, but keep your kid away from this one until they are at least 14. Unless you want to be answering their questions halfway through the movie. That doesn't make it a bad movie.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
EpicLadySpongeMar 21, 2016
Animation has taken itself to the next level... fix that... the next next level... fix that again... the insanely next level! With Persepolis, you'll learn drama and war mixed together with the best ending 2007 ever had.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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0
anonymousAug 26, 2008
Yeah yippee, wave the flag of freedom because we love democracy so much, it
1 of 3 users found this helpful
10
SonyPicturesAug 7, 2008
Very good for the sexual content.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
7
ScottR.Mar 4, 2008
Over-rated!!! This is a slow movie with too much history lesson. The trailer was lots of fun, the actual movie must have dragged on nearly 2 hours. In that 2 hours, we got fun and pensive stuff about 30%-40% of the time. Slow, slow slow. Over-rated!!! This is a slow movie with too much history lesson. The trailer was lots of fun, the actual movie must have dragged on nearly 2 hours. In that 2 hours, we got fun and pensive stuff about 30%-40% of the time. Slow, slow slow. Think of it as a French movie, then your expectations won't get in your way. Wow, once more, I say it is OVER-rated by the critics...… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
AlP.Nov 7, 2008
If this were intended to be an overview of anti-Middle Eastern sentiment aimed at a 10 to 12-year old audience, I'd say it did a great job.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
JasonS.Jan 28, 2008
I don't know what the rest of you are smoking. This movie was about crappy people, living in crappy places, doing crappy things to each other. This movie doesn't tell us anything new about Iran or how it persecutes and stifles I don't know what the rest of you are smoking. This movie was about crappy people, living in crappy places, doing crappy things to each other. This movie doesn't tell us anything new about Iran or how it persecutes and stifles women. Gosh women have it rough in Iran...no duh. It adds no insight to their plight, nor does it raise any new awareness. I thought the main character was a bad person, nothing to do with where she is from, or what religion she was, but just a crappy person as a whole. The true persecution in the film was acted out on the audience while watching this junk.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful
2
FannyP.Apr 21, 2008
She is soooooo annoying.
0 of 4 users found this helpful
0
[Anonymous]May 13, 2008
An aggravating story about an Iranian narcissist and drama queen. The animation is NOT that great but looks cheap, like old cold-war kiddie Soviet propaganda-NO JOKE. Politically correct pap that amazed me by being even worse than the source An aggravating story about an Iranian narcissist and drama queen. The animation is NOT that great but looks cheap, like old cold-war kiddie Soviet propaganda-NO JOKE. Politically correct pap that amazed me by being even worse than the source material. If you think that society should be run by socialist sociology professors, you'll like this movie. The people are a bunch of lower middle class twits, who seem to know nothing of reality. Their values could be purchased at any Wal-Mart, the Marxist ones as well. Ugh.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful
4
BroyaxJan 12, 2017
Il faut faire abstraction du "style particulier" de cette "oeuvre", une expression polie et joliment arrangée pour désigner une esthétique en noir et blanc au trait simplet qui n'a précisément rien d'esthétique. Pour faire bref et en résumé :Il faut faire abstraction du "style particulier" de cette "oeuvre", une expression polie et joliment arrangée pour désigner une esthétique en noir et blanc au trait simplet qui n'a précisément rien d'esthétique. Pour faire bref et en résumé : putain que c'est moche ! Mais étant donné le propos ici, il ne s'agit pas d'une tare rédhibitoire.

Car le propos est celui de la vie sous une république islamo-fasciste, la vie quotidienne épinglée au grand jour sous un regard agréablement révolté et cynique. Toutes les anecdotes, tous ces **** "détails" -en dehors des exactions racontées également dont sont coutumières ces dictatures religieuses- tous ces "mini-évènements" en somme qui nous montrent la folie fanatique au jour le jour, oui, tout cela est vraiment édifiant.

Quel dommage alors d'avoir pollué ce récit -qu'on devine autobiographique- avec un tas de considérations que l'on dirait sorties tout droit d'un magazine féminin pour jeunes pétasses. Le ton en est aussi beaucoup trop inspiré, se veut branché et "tendance", comme s'il s'adressait exclusivement à ses copines (des pétasses également sans doute). Cela cisaille le récit, le décrédibilise et l'infantilise énormément (en plus de nous emmerder).

Dommage donc, car ces Nouvelles de Perse avaient du potentiel en tant que témoignage de la barbarie hystéro-religieuse du Moyen-Orient, un potentiel hélas non réalisé.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
JadeBFeb 10, 2008
WOW really nice! Its a brilliant hour, but felt a bit thin as a hour an a half. While I was glad it wasn't all tied up into a neat little ending with a moral or some 'lesson' it did end leaving one with a feeling of... ie. it WOW really nice! Its a brilliant hour, but felt a bit thin as a hour an a half. While I was glad it wasn't all tied up into a neat little ending with a moral or some 'lesson' it did end leaving one with a feeling of... ie. it just kinda trailed off. That and it felt like a memoir of a 27 year-old.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
PaulCFeb 26, 2008
I think it's a bit over-rated. The story and pacing are uneven, and the plot just peters out at the end. I would've liked more on living in Iran and less about how the character felt alienated from the world. Seriously, what makes I think it's a bit over-rated. The story and pacing are uneven, and the plot just peters out at the end. I would've liked more on living in Iran and less about how the character felt alienated from the world. Seriously, what makes you so special?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JuliaA.Feb 8, 2008
I watched this movie in Jakarta Film Festival,it was the opening movie and I could tell this has been a great opening for a movie fest. A more up-lifting mood of slightly noir humour, suavely told by honest storytelling way.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JohnB.Apr 8, 2008
Persepolis is so full of ideas. It might not be groundbreaking in animation but there was a lot of creativity put into this. Of course, you can't help but get tied into the struggle of Marjame because we are shown such a realistic Persepolis is so full of ideas. It might not be groundbreaking in animation but there was a lot of creativity put into this. Of course, you can't help but get tied into the struggle of Marjame because we are shown such a realistic character. Marjame's interpretation of the world around her is put to the forefront instead of the political struggles in Iran. I would agree that it felt a bit like a series of diary entries but thankfully introspection is kept to a minimum and we are allowed to simply witness the events in her life more. It was a good mix between being on the outside looking in at Marjame's struggles and being on the inside looking out. The moral here is that no one when presented obstacles in life is perfect and there is nothing you can do to make things better. It may have been a typical coming of age story in some aspects but it was also this realization that no matter what, you can never truly identify with a world that can't really identify you. More likely, you will have to fabricate your own identity like Marjane had to. This is not one to miss. It couldn't have been better presented.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
Daisy&KazumiOct 14, 2008
Incredible! The words Marjane says in the last scene moved my heart and brought tears to our eyes. A definite 10/10. All Must Watch!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MaeB.Nov 7, 2008
This film captivated me from start to finish with its simple yet striking animation that manages to convey the horrific and the emotional so beautifully.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SayantanDDec 14, 2008
A wonderful film with dark sardonic humor, poetic animation dwelling into human relationships. LOVED IT.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
PerspicaciousCriticApr 26, 2008
This film is worthy of a 10 out of 10 score. The only reason I am giving it 8 out of 10 is because it was dubbed in English and the American voices were distracting, grating and not fitting with the mainly Iranian characters. NY Times critic This film is worthy of a 10 out of 10 score. The only reason I am giving it 8 out of 10 is because it was dubbed in English and the American voices were distracting, grating and not fitting with the mainly Iranian characters. NY Times critic A.O. Scott said it best: "Sony Pictures Classics, which is releasing … Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CM.Jun 29, 2008
Everyone should see this film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
lancek.Jun 3, 2009
What seemed captivating and fresh in the first 40 minutes gradually wore out its welcome. After a while, we feel less sympathetic with the rather self-absorbed main character. The animation is very nice, and perhaps a new and interesting way What seemed captivating and fresh in the first 40 minutes gradually wore out its welcome. After a while, we feel less sympathetic with the rather self-absorbed main character. The animation is very nice, and perhaps a new and interesting way to tell an elaborate and long historical story without having to go to the trouble and expense to re-enact it all. The graphic style is very evocative of the psychological and cultural territiory in ways that modern 3D computer animation could not. Sadly, the material becomes quite split after awhile, partly personal issues of a pretty mixed up young girl, partly epic family tragedy in a warring country. They don't mix particularly well, and after a while I began to wonder why one or the other was not more emphasized, and why would I want to watch both at the same time? Oddly, the animation seemed more interesting and fitting to the war and historic segments, and a decent young women's movie could've been made in a conventional method. I would want to see the historical movie, and would've skipped the other.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SonaliP.Dec 30, 2007
I came away with a lump in my throat, and some in the audience were sniffling audibly. This film is amazing. I'm honestly quite bewildered at the cool tone of some of the critics (and agree Lane is way off base for once). The I came away with a lump in my throat, and some in the audience were sniffling audibly. This film is amazing. I'm honestly quite bewildered at the cool tone of some of the critics (and agree Lane is way off base for once). The combination of artistic and emotional artistry was quite something. Especially good to watch this narrative of coming into political consciousness at this politicized moment in the U.S.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RyanWJan 11, 2008
An amazing animated memoir showing what it's like growing up in tumultuous Iran. Some of the best 2-D animation I've seen since Disney was alive.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SamS.Jan 27, 2008
This movie is a must-see. It is superb entertainment as well as a realistic, mini-history lesson.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
jimr.Feb 16, 2008
Seemed pretty boring to me. An easy history lesson, which is always good! I'm sure it was the best choice at the cineplex tonight.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ChadS.Feb 16, 2008
If 2-D animation is dead, then "Persepolis" is a dead man's party. While "Shrek" gorges himself on Bambi and all his forest critter friends, filmmakers like Satoshi Kon("Paprika", "Tokyo Godfathers") and Sylvain Chomet("Les Triplettes If 2-D animation is dead, then "Persepolis" is a dead man's party. While "Shrek" gorges himself on Bambi and all his forest critter friends, filmmakers like Satoshi Kon("Paprika", "Tokyo Godfathers") and Sylvain Chomet("Les Triplettes de Belleville") continue to work in the cel tradition. "Persepolis", however, could be said to have precious little, if any, of "Steamboat Willie['s]" DNA. Like Jessica Yu's "In the Realms of the Unreal"(the 2004 documentary about outsider artist Henry Darger), "Persepolis" takes static imagery(in this case; the illustrations from a graphic novel, in the Yu film; Darger's paintings) and transforms them into a meditation on kinesics. The results are truly startling; Iran and France rendered in a phantasmagorical world of black and white. The intermittent use of color is used to differentiate the past from the present, but it's also a commentary on how Marjane's life in her homeland and adopted home covered the full breadth of experiences in both geographical instances. Don't readily assume that Marjane's life in Iran was all bad, and her move to France was all good; only our president sees things in terms of black and white. Our president, our country, in which "Persepolis" sneakily characterizes as being the devil, and the devil's lair. Marjane(voiced by Chiara Mastroianni) listens to Iron Maiden, a band from Sheffield, England that purportedly worships the devil(well, they did release an album entitled "The Number of the Beast"). In other words, Great Britian is in cahoots with the United States, or, "the devil", as we are known to our international neighbors.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SoorenA.Feb 6, 2008
Great movie, lots to learn from this story.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
NickA.Mar 4, 2008
'Persepolis', a wonderfully visualized gem, manages a multitude of on-screen miracles, though its most accomplished feat is interfusing frivolous humor with a remarkably distressing, yet equally inspirational coming-of-age story. 'Persepolis', a wonderfully visualized gem, manages a multitude of on-screen miracles, though its most accomplished feat is interfusing frivolous humor with a remarkably distressing, yet equally inspirational coming-of-age story. Based on director Marjane Satrapi… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MaryamB.Mar 8, 2008
Excellent movie containing the best plot, best animation, best content, and worth to see.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JabezH.Jul 9, 2008
Amazing animation and moving story. An essential movie, best in a while. See it immediately.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
PennyL.Aug 17, 2008
I liked the animation; I found it charming. I found it hard to sympathize with the protagonist. She's quite irritating and shallow in my opinion, and though at times her story is dramatic and tragic, it's the events themselves that I liked the animation; I found it charming. I found it hard to sympathize with the protagonist. She's quite irritating and shallow in my opinion, and though at times her story is dramatic and tragic, it's the events themselves that are fascinating, not her interpretation/experience of them. I also saw this dubbed in English and I don't recommend it. The voice acting is kind of flat, even though some reputable actors were involved. A film that could have been fantastic. It just didn't come through for me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
LeviH.May 21, 2009
The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name, and is autobiographical. After an amusing history of Iran told through puppet-show antics, the film stops being about Iran and starts being about the humanity of Marjane's The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name, and is autobiographical. After an amusing history of Iran told through puppet-show antics, the film stops being about Iran and starts being about the humanity of Marjane's situation. Sure, it takes a while to get there and there really isn't a good way to separate the narrative from the polemics of the characters, but in the end there's no political didacticism, just a woman and her memories. It is the image of grown up Marjane that we must hold with us in order to recognize the beauty of this film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DannyM.Feb 27, 2008
The main issue with Persepolis is that it shows how things used to be in Iran, and then it shows how much it changed. The artwork is simplistic, but it's still damn good.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JayH.Jun 19, 2008
Although it is a moving and fascinating film, I am not quite sure what all the fuss is about. It does have a nice balance of of drama and comedy. The animation is effective but way too simple. It doesn't need to be Pixar, but it's Although it is a moving and fascinating film, I am not quite sure what all the fuss is about. It does have a nice balance of of drama and comedy. The animation is effective but way too simple. It doesn't need to be Pixar, but it's not far from being stick figures. Well defined characters. It would have made an excellent non-animated film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
HollyC.Jul 17, 2008
Great adaptation--I really enjoyed the art and keeping those same tones in the film was an exceptional move considering the technology or temptation to do live-action. the books (and by the same meaning, the film) are definitely Great adaptation--I really enjoyed the art and keeping those same tones in the film was an exceptional move considering the technology or temptation to do live-action. the books (and by the same meaning, the film) are definitely navel-gazing--but it is an interesting naval--so it works for what it is. (and I love the grandmother to bits).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GFSep 15, 2008
This movie is about human dignity and family. At last we have a movie that critiques Islamic fundamentalism and does not shy away from criticizing an abhorrent Western nihilism and Capitalistic consumerism. Pope John Paul II is finally heard This movie is about human dignity and family. At last we have a movie that critiques Islamic fundamentalism and does not shy away from criticizing an abhorrent Western nihilism and Capitalistic consumerism. Pope John Paul II is finally heard on the big screen.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KevinL.Dec 26, 2007
This is an extremely sophisticated and subtle adult movie for all its black-and-white drawing. I think Anthonly Lane of the New Yorker is totally muddled and confuses aesthetic choices and ethical perspectives (but then he is writing for the This is an extremely sophisticated and subtle adult movie for all its black-and-white drawing. I think Anthonly Lane of the New Yorker is totally muddled and confuses aesthetic choices and ethical perspectives (but then he is writing for the New Yorker, where ethics is perceived as but one style choice that might fit nicely between ads for luxury goods -- his dismissive tone is so pompous).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ERG1008Aug 23, 2010
Animated film about an Iranian girl coming of age in Tehran then moving to Vienna & the struggles she has.
Really good story which is funny, moving & dark in parts with Iran's political & war-torn history. The beautiful hand-drawn animationAnimated film about an Iranian girl coming of age in Tehran then moving to Vienna & the struggles she has.
Really good story which is funny, moving & dark in parts with Iran's political & war-torn history. The beautiful hand-drawn animation adds to the whole charm of the film & is very well done.
The ending came a bit sudden than I expected & left a few unanswered questions but overall I did enjoy it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
sil3nt_nickMar 24, 2013
Marjane Sitrapi's shocking life story (based upon her graphic novel of a memoir) depicting her life growing up before and during the Islamic Revolution.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
alejandro970Sep 23, 2018
The compelling biography of Marjane Satrapi, from her precocious childhood till the conversion to a woman, always narrating the harsh, troubled life in homeland. A innovating way to screenplay a graphic novel. One of best opus of adult animation.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
kayhamedOct 20, 2018
just perfect! one of the best movies ever made by iranian film makers! ;D ;D
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
BrunoVn00Apr 19, 2019
This must be one of the best animated movies of the 2000s. It tells the shocking and heart-breaking story of how war affected psychologically the life of Marjane, the main character. The writing is phenomenal, the animation looks great, and IThis must be one of the best animated movies of the 2000s. It tells the shocking and heart-breaking story of how war affected psychologically the life of Marjane, the main character. The writing is phenomenal, the animation looks great, and I felt that the story sometimes didn't have a "focus" (I felt it was a little all over the place), but that's not a bad thing, it actually makes the plot pretty unpredictable and I liked that.

This is a fantastic movie, it's easily in my top 10 best animated movies of the 2000s decade. As for movies having similar themes and that I've seen so far, this is much better than The Breadwinner.… Expand
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