The Breadwinner (2017)

The Breadwinner (2017)

A moving and eye-opening drama about a young girl’s bravery in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

7.9

Movie

Canada, India
English, Italian
Animation, Drama, War
2017
FEMALE DIRECTOR, NORA TWOMEY
Ali Badshah, Ali Hassan, Kawa Ada
94 min

What it's about

A headstrong young girl in Afghanistan, ruled by the Taliban, disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family.

The take

The Breadwinner is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. The animation is magical as it seamlessly jumps back and forth between Parvana's stark reality and richly detailed fantasy. It's a wonder to just look at, but it's a tapestry brought to life by the story at the center of it. 

Set in 2001, at the height of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the film follows Parvana, a young girl driven to desperate measures to keep her family alive. Because of the violent restrictions imposed on women (they’re not allowed to buy, sell, study, or practically do anything without a male chaperone), Parvana disguises herself as a boy so she can work for a living. The more she gets away with it, the bolder her attempts get. It's a story of survival and standing up, but it's also a sobering reminder of what fundamentalism is capable of doing (or more accurately, ruining). As long as cruel systems like this are taking place in the world, Breadwinner remains essential viewing for all.

Comments

Add a comment

What did you think? Who should watch it?

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020)

A painfully realistic journey of unplanned teenage pregnancy

7.2

Bound (1996)

A breathless and pristinely stylish thriller about queer women breaking free

8.6

Forgotten Love (2023)

The stunning third take of the classic Polish pre-war melodrama

7.7

The Black Book (2023)

A Nigerian revenge thriller seeking justice against corrupt institutions

7.0

Overhaul (2023)

A generic racing-action movie with a more distinct personality from its obvious inspirations

5.1

Nowhere (2023)

A riveting Spanish Netflix survival thriller brought to life in Anna Castillo’s performance

7.8

Reptile (2023)

It’s not as taut as it could be, but this slow-burn thriller has a captivating lead in Benicio del Toro

7.0

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

A star-studded and riveting legal drama with a blockbuster feel.

9.1

Do Not Disturb (2023)

A confusing Turkish Netflix comedy-drama with less comedy than hoped for

5.3

The Guilty (2018)

A minimalist, razor-sharp thriller that will have you gasping for air.

9.0

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2023 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.