Review of The Breadwinner (2017) by Alan W — 11 Jun 2018

Set against the ominous background of Western air-strikes looming above their heads, a young girl named Parvana has to dress as a boy in order to take care of her family under the repressive Taliban regime in Afghanistan after her father, the only adult male member of her family, is unjustly taken to prison.

Deservedly Oscar nominated for Best Animated Feature, this Irish-Canadian production is unique and very affecting, as you will have to go back to 2007's Persepolis to find a film that tackles similar subject matter in such a mature, poetic and poignant manner.

Even the story within the story that Parvana tells her baby brother has a revealing ending that packs an unexpected emotional punch. This film is about the beautiful art of storytelling as much as it is about the telling of these beautiful stories and director Nora Twomey and writer Anita Doron (adapting Deborah Ellis' book) deliver, with stylish flair and great aplomb, something emotionally rich and evocative, and moreover, an uncompromising ending that speaks volume about the horrendous and cruel situation they have to endure and close the film on a heartbreaking yet truthful note that is rare in live action films, and even more so for animation.