The Breadwinner (2017) - 7-/10

A dark and sobering animated visit to life under the oppressive Taliban regime. Skilled animation, atmospheric color, a plucky protagonist, and a whimsically told/alter-animated companion fable express the spirit of this tale and keep us grounded. This is a strong film, full of acrid truths and less than ideal options, but don’t let its lack of escapism deter you: this is a wonderful film that exposes, infuriates, and entertains all the while.

As stated before, this film highlights the plight of women within the stringent rules of religious prepotency. Much like a film such as Timbuktu, we are shown the unmanageable and maddening constraints placed upon women and how their options for unshackling themselves are dangerously limited. Here, without the patriarch, the young heroine must disguise herself as a boy to function and provide. Her adaptation and fluid assimilation speak volumes about the quizzical nature of this societal structure, but offer no easy answers. Similarly, we continuously encounter oppressive men, but wisely they are shown with depth (the hulking enforcer who is filled with love and empathy, the antagonistic bully who seems to be acting out his own terror of growing up/going to war if anything, etc.), something in a lesser story might be excised or untouched. The incandescent and hopeful brights shine and the horrible human murkiness obscures, but much of this story is exhibited within the murky gray cloth of this culture, both blinding and binding.

This is an important film to see, especially for younger viewers, but I do question it. The themes are foreboding and somewhat intense, making one question of whom this film’s audience is meant to consist of. As an animated feature, with a young female main character, and plenty of kid friendly jokes/nods, it functions in the family friendly genre. But, it is gloomy and ominous, with what some might see as sensitive subject matter for small theater patrons and specific cultural examinations/implications/concepts that are just plain heavy. I personally think that exposure to different ideas and experiences that might spark conversations and considerations is healthy, but for those under the age of 12 a little deliberation might be in order.

There is a fun to be had in this somber drama. The art is vivacious and the enthusiasm of both the character and the creators is robust and gratifying. It confronts you with tortuous and unnerving substantiality, but I respect a film (one for kids at that) that is willing to take us down such a dark path, with eyes open and dreams aspirational, but still feel authentic. This is a fine and vital film.