It doesn’t get released until Friday here in Madison, but animation fans, take note–”Persepolis” is one of the finest films of the year.

It’s the sort of film that establishes what’s possible with a well-done animated feature– the art helps you connect with the characters and conveys moments too unreal for the reality of traditional cinema, both awful and wonderful.

It’s both funny and heartbreaking, a story about the ups and downs of growing up against the ups and downs of a nation consumed by political turmoil.

Almost makes it worth getting shafted by fees over at Sundance608.