Some films you watch and forget. Some films you watch, and they never leave your heart. The Breadwinner belongs to the second category of movies, and I have maintained constant mental playback of it since my first viewing.
Nora Twomey directed this 2017 film, which the Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon brought to life through their work on Deborah Ellis’s novel adaptation. Angelina Jolie executive-produced the film through her Afghan girls’ school experience which she acquired from her visits, to create authentic frames. Saara Chaudry gives her voice to Parvana, who experiences all the emotional details of his character so effectively that audiences forget they are watching animated content.
The story follows eleven-year-old Parvana living under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Her father faces false accusations, which leads her family into hunger because women require male protection to go outside. The little girl uses her brother’s clothes and her own hair to become the family protector. The story starts with a basic idea that transforms into an impactful presentation.
The film achieves its exceptional status through its ability to combine a fantasy story with the primary plot. The main character narrates her personal story through the boy who battles against the evil Elephant King. The animation combines authentic hand-drawn animations with puppet-style animation to produce an enchanting effect.
I found a personal connection to this film because these realities exist in my country. The Islamist doctrine prevents women from leading their lives without male guardianship. The film conveys its hidden truth because it shows that Islam does not permit people to keep women as their homebound property. The Breadwinner presents its human cost through distorted religious beliefs, which created an intense emotional response in me.
The Danna brothers, Mychael and Jeff, created music that includes a young Afghan girls’ choir to enhance the film’s existing beauty. Every visual choice, every sound, every word of dialogue serves the story perfectly.
This film reminded me why I am working on my own animated project, Under the Blaze, which explores child labour. Animation has this unique power to tell difficult stories with grace, to make audiences feel rather than just watch. The animated film The Breadwinner demonstrates that its content holds significant emotional weight, which remains with viewers throughout their lives.
The film moved me to tears while making me think about its content for multiple days. That occurrence happens infrequently. That experience holds great value.
My IMDb Ratings
Rated 10/10: Watch it. Feel it. Remember it.
