The Breadwinner (2017)

User Review

• 

  Barneyonmovies

  9 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: In much the same way that fantasy stories can, animation often has the unique ability to make something potentially graphic and traumatic accessible and relatable, and 'The Breadwinner,' shows off the abilities of both of those mediums perfectly. Yes by telling its heartbreaking story in the oppressive and frightening world of Taliban Afghanistan through the membrane of beautiful animation featuring parallel fantasy tales, this film really does bring a horrifying reality home in a way that's accessible to all. This means it's refreshingly able to avoid shying away from its difficult issues and instead focuses on the narrative's real heart which lies with appreciating humanity and life in all of its beautiful, colourful glory regardless of scenario. It is after all easy for everyone to forget that within the plights of war and oppression around the world there are lives with their own hopes, charms and dreams, and here we not only see the central character Parvana dealing with everything through the telling of those fantasy stories, but we're also invested in her plucky courage and determination within her genuinely unimaginable situation. This makes for a very powerful film that's made accessible by expert uses of its mediums, but is made affecting by the way it uses those to then focus on the humanity within its horrific environment.
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Sometimes the fantasy stories don't tie in with the character narrative as seamlessly as one could hope.
  VERDICT: A film that broadcasts the power of both fantasy stories and animation to make something horrific genuinely accessible and engaging, 'The Breadwinner,' is a very powerful piece of work that brilliantly broadcasts the humanity behind a terrible real-world scenario.

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