The Revolution's Here

The endings of “The Lives of Others” and “Persepolis” are quite poignant representations of change in their respective countries, Germany and Iran. Each country goes through a change that greatly shakes the characters of these respective films. The endings of the films change everything for the lead characters. However, the endings of the two films have two completely different outcomes for Weisler and Marjane. In “The Lives of Others,” Weisler’s life in shaken and shrunken, and in “Persepolis,” Marjane takes the great leap towards personal freedom.
“The Lives of Others’” ending demonstrates the fall of East Germany’s reign. As Weisler is discovered as the ally who now works as a mail deliverer, the film shows the change that has occurred in his country. Once the mightiest Stasi officer, strong and proud, Weisler has become a small and insignificant man, just as the country he once served was. Inversely, the speck of a man that he observed now has power, as a famous author. He can even give Weisler hope and confidence in his choices and the changes that have occurred by dedicating his novel to him. In this instance, Weisler, who used to have the power, is now subservient to the man he once nearly stalked. This powerful ending is the final proof that East Germany has fallen and is no more.
In “Persepolis,” Marjane also brings change. Her change is a reaction to the revolution in Iran, and her need to leave such a place. She cannot exist in that country, and brings about a personal revolution by leaving her homeland for freedom. Nothing else matters at this point for her. Her change is the antithesis of Weisler’s. The revolution in Iran and the change it invokes helps Marjane and makes her stronger, whereas what happened to Weisler effects him in a negative way. While Marjane is climbing up the freedom ladder, Weisler is crashing.
Another important metaphor that emphasizes this point is the death of Marjane’s grandmother. Grandma is the epitome of strength and rebellion in the shaken Iran. Her death is the perfect metaphor for the change that happens in her country, and as Marjane says, the price of freedom. While Marjane was in Iran, Grandma was able to live successfully in Iran, but the moment Marjane leaves, it is the final declaration that Iran has permanently changed, and Grandma cannot exist.
The ending of “The Lives of Others” demonstrates the great fall of a man who was in power as a result of a revolution. Contrarily, the ending of “Persepolis” demonstrates the strength one woman finds from the revolution. While each have different results for our leading characters, the statement is ultimately the same. That statement: when the revolution comes, change will be brought from all directions. It may not always be for the benefit of all (as seen in both Marjane and Weisler), but the change it brings is not only strong but moving, as in the case of Marjane, who manages to leave the wrecked land of Iran. In both films, the revolution has come, and is unstoppable. That is the unchanging truth in the endings of these two films.