The beauuuutiful film Persepolis was banned in Lebanon this week!
Just announced in Variety Middle East edition.
(The rebellious heroine, Marjane Satrapi)
Based off an awesome graphic novel, Persepolis is about a little Iron-Maiden-fan punk girl who is 8 years old when the ’79 Islamic Revolution transforms her native Tehran. The film played indie art-houses last December State-side. Sony Classics also dubbed it in English so save that film in your Netflix now (so it can be delivered when the DVD is released). I do recommend the original (French in subtitles) due to the fact that the goddess Catherine Deneuve is one of the voices, along with Chiara Mastroianni, Danielle Darrieux, and Simon Abkarian.
Anyway, Lebanese authorities have banned Persepolis for fears it may create more beef with the political situation there. The idea is to avoid any possible friction with the offending pro-Iranian members of the Lebanese opposition, mostly, Hezbollah (Note: George Clooney’s Syriana was banned in Lebanon in 2005 due to similar sensitive territory regarding scenes with Hezbollah).
(Oscar-nominated Persepolis )
Persepolis is an adorable, satirical, smart, and self-questioning film. A few Iranian officials have thrown criticisms at it ever since it premiered at last years Cannes Film Festival (where it won the Jury Prize). The truth is, its not an Islamic-phobic film at all, it’s more like an honest autobiographical story — of Director Satrapi herself — from the view of an open-minded child. It’s a good conversation-starter with families in terms of discussing oppressive life under the rule of the mullahs, as well as how “the West” is portrayed, and what does it mean to “betray” your heritage. I realize it’s animation but there’s some tough issues in this cartoon! It’s really closer to an adult film (but its PG-13 rated). I love the fact its viewed through this black and white world (sooooo German Expressionist).
(Voice of grandma is Danielle Darrieux, who says at the very end: “You have a choice. You always have a choice.”)
More bans happening this week:
Israel is boycotting Arab newscaster, Al-Jazeera. Israeli officials think the news is biased on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The embargo on the station is official. That means no more interviews with Israeli ministers and no entrance into Israeli government offices in Jerusalem! Al-Jazeera revolutionized Arab news when it launched in 1996 (rent the doc Control Room!). It was one of the first stations to feature interviews with Israeli officials, and aim for total objective reporting, so this is a major blow. Al-Jazeera execs have protested against the decision. Also, it will be interesting to see their new competition in town, the BBC’s Arabic TV which just launched March 11th.
Super tough days for news and entertainment ’round the world. God bless.
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