Review of The Breadwinner (2017) by Wayne K — 02 Mar 2018
An animated movie taking a much more adult approach than most, both in content and delivery, The Breadwinner will not be appreciated by general audiences for this very reason. It tackles its issues sensitively but without lamp shading, bravely but not gratuitously.
The brutality is not graphic, but all the implications and consequences of it are very much present, making it impactful but not exploitative. The family dynamic is beautifully explored, as is the sexism and discrimination endemic to an entire culture.
The animation occasionally looks clunky and awkward, especially when vehicles are involved, but mostly it's a startling departure from the norm, and the fantasy sequences, frequently cut to when the protagonists need a way to briefly digress from their difficult, mundane lives, are beautifully coloured and drawn, blending reality with childish fiction.
The Breadwinner likely won't be remembered as it should be, and the mainstream will pass right over it to praise the likes of Coco, but it's a rare treat and isn't afraid to take risks where other animations wouldn't.
Watch it as soon as you can.
This review of The Breadwinner (2017) was written by Wayne K on 02 Mar 2018.
The Breadwinner has generally received very positive reviews.
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