the breadwinner

So, there's this movie that throws you back to 2001, smack in the heart of Kabul under the Taliban's rule. Picture this: women can't hit the streets without a male sidekick. Now, enter Parvana, an 11-year-old who, after her dad gets nabbed for no good reason, has to go undercover as a dude to keep her family afloat. You're basically seeing the world crumble through Parvana's eyes – the wreckage, the struggles, the dreams she's building against all the odds, and the fight for survival.

And then, as if that's not enough, the film takes you on this mythological rollercoaster, weaving in elements from lands that've hosted civilizations for centuries. As you're glued to the screen, trying not to get all choked up or teary-eyed, it hits you. This film, throwing its hat into the Oscar ring for Best Animated Feature, might or might not snag the trophy. But one thing's for sure, it's carved out a cozy spot in the hearts of everyone who's caught a glimpse of it.

A 2017 animated gem, skillfully crafted under the direction of Nora Twomey.

This cinematic masterpiece unfolded its world premiere curtain at the Toronto Film Festival last September, casting its spell on audiences. Although this cinematic marvel contended for the prestigious title of "Best Animated Feature" at the 90th Academy Awards, it regrettably succumbed to the charms of the animated film "Coco."

The narrative of this poignant tale is woven around Parvana, an 11-year-old girl navigating the tumultuous landscape of war-torn Kabul, Afghanistan. Nestled in a battered apartment with her family, Parvana matures amidst the rigid confines dictated by the Taliban. Witnessing her father eke out a living by penning and reciting letters in the marketplace, Parvana's world takes a cataclysmic turn when her father is unjustly incarcerated. In an era where women are bound to the confines of their homes without a male companion, and with no breadwinner or provider for her family, Parvana makes the audacious decision to shear her hair and cloak herself in the guise of a boy. Undeterred by the peril she faces without a headscarf, Parvana embarks on a determined quest to rescue her father, unwavering in her commitment.

This film serves as a portal, granting us profound insights into the political, military, social, and cultural tapestry of Afghanistan during that tumultuous epoch. It paints a vivid tableau of a society where women endure mistreatment, restricted from solitary ventures outdoors. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of political and military upheaval, where the resolution of matters often hinges on the exchange of bribes. The film illuminates the repercussions of challenging ostensibly inconsequential issues, leading to swift imprisonment without recourse. Characters, structures, and the cityscape are sketched with a broad brushstroke, eschewing intricate details. A notable subtlety lies in the film's parallel storytelling, intertwining the main narrative with the tale Parvana imparts to her younger brother. In keeping with recent trends in animation, this cinematic creation not only captivates the younger audience but also resonates with adults, effectively conveying messages that linger positively in the minds of the audience.