The Breadwinner (2017)

The Breadwinner (2017) is a luminous, emotionally powerful animated drama based on Deborah Ellis’ bestselling novel. Set in Kabul under Taliban rule in 2001, the film follows 11-year-old Parvana, who, after her father is unjustly arrested, cuts her hair and disguises herself as a boy to work and provide for her family. What begins as a desperate act of survival becomes a gripping coming-of-age quest driven by courage, resourcefulness and the life-saving power of stories. Produced by the team behind The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea and executive produced by Angelina Jolie, the film blends grounded, tense scenes of daily life under oppression with richly imagined fantasy sequences—Parvana’s tall tales and daydreams—that illuminate her inner strength. The animation is both delicate and arresting, bringing Kabul’s markets, dusty streets, and cramped family rooms to vivid life while contrasting them with the bold, theatrical worlds of Parvana’s imagination. Watching The Breadwinner, you’ll experience a tense, suspenseful drama that never loses its heart: moments of fear and danger are balanced by warmth, friendship (notably with her brave companion Shauzia), and quiet acts of resistance. The film invites empathy for Parvana’s family and community, and inspires through its portrait of a young girl who refuses to be silenced. The result is a moving, hopeful story about resilience, the importance of storytelling, and the pursuit of freedom in dark times. Be prepared for emotionally intense themes—oppression, imprisonment and violence—but also for a beautifully told, ultimately uplifting tale that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Actors: Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Noorin Gulamgaus

Director: Nora Twomey

Runtime: 94 min

Genres: Animation, Drama, Family

7.4 /10 78 /100 7.7 /10 7.6 /10