Watch The swallows of Kabul

The Swallows of Kabul is a poignant and thought-provoking animated movie from 2019 that explores the complexities of life under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. The film, which is based on the best-selling novel by Yasmina Khadra, tells the story of two couples who find themselves trapped in a world of oppression and violence. The first couple, Atiq and Mussarat, are an older couple who have been married for many years. Atiq is a former soldier who fought against the Soviet Union, but now he works as a jailer at the infamous Pul-e-Charkhi prison. He is a stern and unyielding man who has become disillusioned with the idea of freedom and democracy. Mussarat, on the other hand, is a kind and compassionate woman who suffers from a terminal illness. She longs for the simple pleasures of life, like a walk in the park or a cup of tea, but these are forbidden under Taliban rule.

The second couple, Mohsen and Zunaira, are much younger and more optimistic. Mohsen is an idealistic artist who dreams of a better future for Afghanistan. Zunaira is a former teacher who has been forced to wear the burqa and stay at home since the Taliban took over. She is resentful of the way women are treated in her country, and she longs to break free from the constraints that have been placed on her.

The paths of these two couples cross when Atiq is tasked with escorting Mohsen to Pul-e-Charkhi prison. Mohsen has been accused of a crime he didn't commit, and Atiq is the one who must carry out his execution. But as Atiq gets to know Mohsen and Zunaira, he begins to question his role in the Taliban regime. He is torn between his loyalty to his country and his growing sense of compassion for these two young people.

The Swallows of Kabul is a beautifully animated film that captures the stark beauty of the Afghan landscape. The colors are muted and washed out, reflecting the despair and hopelessness of life under the Taliban. The characters are all well-drawn and complex, with each one grappling with their own demons.

The film is not without its flaws, however. At times, the pacing can be slow, and some of the scenes feel repetitive. But overall, The Swallows of Kabul is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deals with some very difficult issues. It forces the viewer to confront the brutality of life under the Taliban, but it also offers a glimmer of hope in the form of two people who refuse to be defined by their circumstances.

One of the most striking things about the film is the way it presents the relationship between Atiq and Mussarat. Atiq is a man who has become hardened by years of war and oppression, but he still loves his wife deeply. Mussarat, despite her illness and the limitations placed on her, is a woman who finds joy in the simple things in life. Their love for each other is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The Swallows of Kabul is a sobering reminder of the many people around the world who are forced to live in fear and oppression. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, and it serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in even the most dire of circumstances.