The Healing Power of Art

A poignant coming-of-age story of a precocious and outspoken young Iranian girl that begins during the Islamic Revolution, Percepolis was artistic masterpiece. The animation felt intimate and personal. The majority of the images were left in black and white allowing the viewer to focus more closely on the depth of the story itself and the teenager Marjane struggling in a world of oppression. More specifically the recent graphic novel-turned-film is an autobiography of the director and creator, Marjane Satrapi. The story illustrates the young inquisitive and optimistic girl wearing sneakers and beating up boys, constantly posing questions to her elders about political movements and the people that led them. When she turns ten, her world changes overnight. Marjane is forced, along with the rest of Iranian women, to cover herself in a long dark robe and the inspiring outspoken grownups that once surrounded her begin to disappear. Marjane struggles with the strong and oppressive military regime and her free-thinking strong mind throughout the film. Even more importantly however, is the struggle she faces with her identity- striving to keep her pride and integrity in her Iranian heritage in her stays beyond Iran. In the end she is forced to leave the country and the people she loves most for her own safety.
I saw this film twice this last week, not only because it was so enjoyable and so moving, but because I believed in the importance and admired the achievement of the film itself. Its release is more than relevant in our current day and age. A time when war seems to be waged daily in the east, and the misunderstanding between the Anglo-West and the turbulent Middle East is immense and dangerous. A film like this puts a very personal and human face to a people who would previously be conceived radical and war-loving middle-easterners. The film succeeds in giving its audience a glimpse at the normalcy and cultural similarities between the west and middle eastern peoples. Being a teenager, falling in love, being a daughter, a father, a grandmother means and requires exactly the same circumstances here as it does there. We are all humans, no matter what corner of the world we inhabit, who pursue similar dreams and aspirations of peace, who want the same, if not better. opportunities for our children. This film manifests the power of Art. An outstanding example of art working at bridging the cultural gap. The ability of art to communicate a story to each member of its audience regardless of his or her background or ethnicity etc. and thus its universality is why art is so important, especially in our world to day. It connects peoples form all over the world and gives them a platform to relate with one another. This is why art is beautiful, its the closest means to peace this world has.