Defying Fate: The Breadwinner Movie Review and Reflection"

Defying Fate: The Breadwinner (2017)Movie Review and Reflection"

A slice of life film that tells the story of a family, as its members do all they can to survive in a tyrannical rule

                               

Imagine a world where your every move, every word, every breath is governed by the tyranny of a regime that sees you as less than human. The Breadwinner (2017) thrusts you into this harsh reality through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl named Parvana, whose quiet strength becomes the only lifeline in an oppressive world. As you watch her navigate a landscape of fear, sacrifice, and survival, you can’t help but feel your heart swell with admiration for this young girl, her courage, her resilience, her capacity for hope in face of adversity. The movie portrays the harrowing and haunting rule of Taliban .Its based on a book written by Deborah Ellis. It becomes even more significant today, when Afghanistan has again been captured by Taliban.

 It will be hard for anyone to see the depiction of female life in Kabul and not feel a little sick, a little upset, a little angry. In the opening scenes, a father does something inherently forbidden in Taliban society, and attempts to educate his daughter. When a young firebrand of the political movement gets in his face, it’s a sure sign that trouble is to follow. Idrees  might only be in three scenes, but he’s still a remarkably realistic villain in today's Afghanistan. He is  a terrorist of the second wave of the Taliban revolution, an angry young man exulting in the power granted to him without having to have fought for it in anyway.

She is more than a hero! She is a survivor!!

In the real world, Parvana has to risk life and limb in order to do something as simple as purchase basic necessities for her female family member. The Breadwinner excels at showcasing Parvana’s trembling efforts to do this as herself, and then her trembling efforts to do this as “Aatish” a boy. And then there is  that wonderful moment of transformation, as she realises the freedom that she now enjoys when she is perceived as being of the male gender. The wrathful glances from those on the street turn to uncaring, the shopkeepers who refuse to serve her suddenly become friendly and, wonder of wonders, she suddenly has the chance to actually earn money of her own. This sudden introduction to work, respect and agency usually denied to her sex is a beautifully cryptic way to showcase the inequality of Afghanistan. One of the film’s stated messages is that women shouldn’t have to hide if their appearance offends men, the men should just stop looking. But then Parvana finds herself in a world where no one is looking at her at all.

From the moment you meet Parvana, you realize she’s far more than a protagonist, you realize she’s a symbol of hope. Living in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Parvana’s world is defined by limitations, particularly as a girl. When her father is unjustly imprisoned, the stability of her family shatters. Yet, instead of folding under the pressure, Parvana steps up with a quiet, determined strength that will leave you awestruck. You’ll find yourself rooting for her as she risks everything, cutting her hair and dressing as a boy to take on the role of the “breadwinner.”

In a world where girls are seen as secondary and dispensable,  Parvana’s actions carry a weight of defiance that she doesn’t even realize at first. And what’s most remarkable about Parvana’s strength is how deeply human it feels. You see her doubt, her fear, her weariness but it only makes her courage more real. She’s not invincible; she’s resilient. And that, perhaps, is the most inspiring thing of all.

What truly elevates The Breadwinner is the emotional depth that runs through every frame. Her father’s absence isn’t just a plot point; it’s a gut-punch to her sense of security and identity. You can almost feel the coldness of the empty house, the hollow echoes of the absence of a parent who once served as her anchor.

But Parvana’s journey is not just about grief and loss but about the glimmer of hope that flickers in the darkest moments. Every step she takes to survive, every small victory, and every story she tells to keep her brother entertained, brings a quiet power to the narrative. Her storytelling becomes a tool of emotional resistance, a way for Parvana to reclaim her sense of agency in a world that seeks to strip her of it.

In all these things, The Breadwinner tries to show that humanity, so lacking in the opening sections, does still exist in Afghanistan, and demonstrations of that humanity are what should define the country. Parvana gets help in her quest from unexpected places, like an older man mourning his recently killed wife, or another girl pretending to be a boy who dreams of seeing the sea, and even her sister that she routinely bickers with. By the end of the film, it becomes clear that the inner message is one of redemption for the country’s people and rejection of its more violent aspects, seen in both examples of Afghan women standing up for themselves in the face of patriarchal oppression and in the simple love between child and parent. 

The film is also very culturally rich and the depiction of the cities is realistic. The portrayal of the tyranny against woman has been shown in a nonchalant manner to give you a taste of how normalized these inhuman actions are. It is impossible to watch this movie objectively as you get invested in the character's lives. It is a political movie portrayed as a slice of life movie, a story of resilience in the face of great adversities

The animation of the film is unique and simple. Story telling has been intricately woven in the life of the protagonist. This fairy tale gives her strength and is something she holds on to when faced with the hardest of times. The real Kabul is featured with almost no colours but just browns and greys while the fairy tales are shown in the form of cut outs colourful animations and based in the past giving you an idea of how Afghanistan once was a happy and free country.

While The Breadwinner is no doubt an emotional rollercoaster, it’s not without its flaws. As much as the story focuses on Parvana’s journey, there are times when secondary characters, like her mother or younger brother, feel underdeveloped. We see glimpses of their pain, but they are often overshadowed by Parvana’s strong presence. Given the thematic focus on family and survival, a deeper exploration of these relationships might have made the emotional impact even more profound. Moreover some of the animations are too simplistic and unable to convey the depth of emotions.

Additionally, the pacing of the film, while mostly steady, sometimes feels uneven. There are moments where the story lingers too long on certain beats, while others are rushed.

The Breadwinner is not just a film you watch, it’s a film that stays with you. Parvana’s strength is born from love, from the sheer will to survive, and from the resilience of the human spirit.