Watch The Breadwinner

In 2017, a heart-wrenching animated film called The Breadwinner was released, directed by Nora Twomey and produced by Angelina Jolie. Based on the novel of the same name by Deborah Ellis, the movie tells the story of a young girl named Parvana, who lives in Taliban-controlled Kabul, Afghanistan in the early 2000s. Parvana's father was a teacher before the Taliban took over and banned girls from attending school. Without her father's income, Parvana's family struggles to make ends meet. When her father is arrested and taken away by the Taliban, Parvana is left to provide for her family, including her mother, older sister, and younger brother. Her mother cannot leave the house alone to buy food, as she must be accompanied by a male relative, and her sister is unable to work due to her disability.

Determined to help her family, Parvana cuts off her hair and dresses as a boy, which allows her to move more freely through the city, as well as work and earn money. She finds work helping a former classmate, Shauzia, collect water and sells items in the market. Along the way, she befriends a young boy named Nurullah, who is also living on the streets.

The movie is an emotional rollercoaster, as we witness Parvana's struggle to survive in a harsh world. She must constantly hide her true identity, as her life and the lives of her family depend on it. The Breadwinner shows us the realities of war and the effect it has on children, particularly young girls who are denied an education and basic human rights.

The animation in The Breadwinner is stunning and intricately detailed, portraying the beauty of Afghanistan's colourful landscapes and the harsh reality of life in Kabul. The attention to detail is seen in the portrayal of the different textures of clothing, the dust and sand on the streets, and the intricate henna designs on the characters' hands.

Saara Chaudry does an excellent job voicing Parvana, conveying the character's emotions and her strength in the face of adversity. Soma Chhaya gives a moving performance as Parvana's mother, struggling to hold her family together in a world that is crumbling around her. Noorin Gulamgaus gives a convincing performance as Shauzia, a young girl with dreams of escaping Kabul.

The Breadwinner features a haunting soundtrack, with music by Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna. The score is a mix of traditional Afghan music and Western orchestration, creating an evocative soundscape that enhances the film's emotional impact.

The Breadwinner is a powerful and important film, shining a light on the struggles of women and children living in war-torn countries. It is a moving, beautifully crafted work of art that demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the challenges faced by those living in conflict zones and the role of storytelling in preserving hope and humanity in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, The Breadwinner is a poignant and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impact on its viewers. It is a testament to the power of animation to tell important stories and bring to life complex characters in ways that are both accessible and emotionally engaging.

The Breadwinner is a 2017 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 78.