The Breadwinner

The Breadwinner is a poignant 2017 animated movie that engages both the beauty and the harsh realities of Afghanistan. The movie showcases the voice acting talents of Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, and Noorin Gulamgaus, among others. Tackling complex topics and emotion stirring narratives, The Breadwinner is a story that encompasses strength, resilience, and the unyielding bonds of family.

Set in the turbulent, Taliban ruled city of Kabul in 2001, the movie features the story of an 11-year-old girl named Parvana voiced by Saara Chaudry. Intelligent, strong-willed, and kind-hearted, Parvana is a character engraved with unyielding resilience and unparalleled determination. Born and raised in a country submerged in war and chaos, she embodies the struggle for survival and liberty yet, is filled with the warmth and light of hope.

The story takes a pivotal turn when Parvana's father Nurullah, an educated former teacher, is unjustly arrested and taken away. With the only earning member of the family gone, Parvana is forced to step into a role that she is both unprepared and unaccustomed to. The restrictive norms of the society and the harsh Taliban dictatorship prevent women from stepping out in public unaccompanied by a male relative, leaving Parvana, her mother and two siblings with the daunting reality of starvation.

Under dire circumstances, Parvana takes the plunge and disguises as a boy to take care of her family. It’s a dangerous gamble, but she is driven by necessity. This remarkable journey follows Parvana through bustling markets and desolate ruins, where she discovers an unforeseen strength that lies within her. With determination, imagination, and bravery, she wages a personal war against oppression and explores the landscape created by war, poverty, and hard-line traditions.

Throughout her ordeal, Parvana finds solace and strength through stories, particularly one her father often narrated – a folk tale about a brave boy who must complete a quest to save his village from an evil Elephant King. The parallels between the folk tale and Parvana's real life are brilliantly highlighted; she too must overcome seemingly insurmountable odds in her quest.

The voice performances in The Breadwinner are indeed noteworthy. Saara Chaudry embodies Parvana's strength and determination with absolute brilliance. Soma Chhaya voices Shauzia, Parvana’s friend who also disguises as a boy for survival, with grace and subtlety. Noorin Gulamgaus brings depth and sensitivity to the character of Idrees, a young member of the Taliban who previously knew Parvana's father.

The Breadwinner beautifully combines its insightful storyline with a unique animation style. The film fluidly transitions between two animation styles: the traditional yet vibrant depictions of real-life Kabul, and the paper-cut silhouette style used to illustrate the story within a story. The artwork is a feast for the eyes – it depicts the stark realities of the troubled city, yet finds moments to portray its untouched, inherent beauty.

That being said, The Breadwinner does not shy away from addressing harsh socio-political realities. It doesn’t condone nor ignore the intense socio-political climate, instead, it unravels it through the innocent yet brave eyes of a child. It offers an astute examination of gender roles, family dynamics, and societal norms under the Taliban regime.

The Breadwinner, produced by Angelina Jolie and directed by Nora Twomey, is an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Deborah Ellis. The film presents a journey that’s overshadowed by peril but driven by perseverance and courage. The result is an immensely powerful narrative that's simultaneously harrowing and inspiring.

Through its intriguing mix of harsh truths and heart-warming resilience, The Breadwinner is more than just an animation film. It transports audiences into a world seen through the eyes of a brave young girl. It speaks of courage, defiance, and the power of stories, showing how they can be islands of hope and imagination in a sea of despair and fear.

Running for approximately 94 minutes, The Breadwinner is an extraordinary film. It steps beyond the animated stereotype, delivering a moving cinematic experience that will touch the hearts of both adults and children alike. It’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and indeed an exquisite cinematic treasure.