The Breadwinner
3/5
Directed by: Nora Twomey
Rated: PG-13
Far away in the distant past, there was a beautiful land that lived in peace and prosperity, but it was not destined to be for long. This land that was once plentiful is now inhospitable, but not because of its dry soil but because of the rocky and barren hearts that tread upon it. A terrifying force, called the Taliban, took over and oppressed the land's people. They forced the women to cover their heads and made it impossible for them to go outside without facing ridicule and suffering. In this darkness hope will shine through the most unexpected of heroes, a young girl who confronts the world not with physical strength but with her determination and her stories.
Based on Deborah Ellis' children's novel of the same name, Nora Twomey's The Breadwinner is a well constructed and inspiring story built with inviting animation, classic character types and a compelling narrative. A primary aspect that keeps a viewer's attention on their screen is Breadwinner's intriguing visual design. This film is comprised of simplistic yet meaningful hand drawn animation, featuring engaging characters and eye catching backdrops. This film's aesthetic appeal is also enhanced by Breadwinner's Mediterranean sounding score. Breadwinner's compelling atmosphere is also illustrated through screen writer Anita Doron's screenplay. Her words imbue power and inspire courage. Though the screenplay's dialogue can be predictable and "on the nose," it is not repetitive. It always has a certain charm.
The Breadwinner's story is lead by a collection of well constructed characters. Each character fulfils their part in Doron's story. Some audience members may even identify with certain characters. Parvana, portrayed by an exceptional performance by Saara Chaudry, is the young and virtuous hero in this story. Her father was wrongfully taken prisoner, and it has left her family without means of survival. That is until Parvana summons the courage to disguise herself as a boy and earn food for her family and one day rescue her father. Along her journey Parvana encounters a mixture of people, such as a kind friend who helps her find work, a helpful townsperson who connects with Parvana daily and a fiendish boy whose actions are as fierce as his rifle. Parvana also attains strength from her family, her loving mother, older sister and infant brother.
Although The Breadwinner is a well crafted hand drawn film, it is hard determining which audience members would most appreciate this film. The film is based on a children's novel, so the manner in which it relays its story is akin to most family films. This film, however, features graphic content that some parents would not consider appropriate for young and immature audiences. The film, however, is so predictable and childlike in its storytelling, it may bore unenthusiastic adolescent and teenage viewers. The older the audience member is the more mature they will be to listen and respect this film, but they will also be less enchanted by Breadwinner's childlike wonder and inviting fantasy. Since the best audience group for this film is a family with young children who are not scared of violence and hunger for stories about courage and the bravery to stand up for what is right, The Breadwinner may unfortunately fade into obscurity. Then again it may be able to have a great home on Netflix. Either way, it is up to the discretion of audience members whether this film will be welcome in their homes.
Verdict: The Breadwinner is an inspiring story about a courageous young girl, highlighted through simplistic yet eye-catching hand drawn animation illustrating childlike wonder in a mature and inhospitable environment.
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