Overview
A young girl's bravery shines in a world where hope is scarce, as she fights for her family.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- eerie
- lyrical
- harrowing
- family film night
- socially conscious viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film’s stunning animation, lyrical score, nuanced characterization, and honest treatment of Taliban-era oppression, while finding its rushed ending a minor weakness.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Parvana draws strength from fantastical stories while navigating poverty, imprisonment, and restrictions on girls.
Parvana cuts her hair and dresses as a boy so she can work and support her family.
The film contrasts Taliban-controlled daily life with vivid palettes and an enchanted story world.
The father's arrest forces Parvana and her family to resist gender restrictions and economic deprivation at home and in the streets.
Films like The Breadwinner, and why
Persepolis
Shares child-centered animation, feminist defiance, political oppression, and a vividly imagined storytelling world.
Song of the Sea
Shares lyrical Cartoon Saloon animation, young protagonists, folklore-inflected fantasy, and emotionally serious family themes.
The Breadwinner
Shares animated coming-of-age drama, cultural displacement, female resilience, and an intimate response to political violence.
Grave of the Fireflies
Shares child resilience under authoritarian oppression, family separation, and a moving blend of realism with imaginative storytelling.
Movie Details
- Director
- Nora Twomey
- Release Date
- 2017-11-17
- Runtime
- 94 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (958)
Cast
- Saara Chaudry
- Soma Bhatia
- Noorin Gulamgaus
- Laara Sadiq
- Ali Badshah
- Shaista Latif
- Kanza Feris
- Kawa Ada
- Kane Mahon
- Ali Kazmi
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Breadwinner about?
- An Afghan girl disguises herself as a boy to sustain her family and seek her imprisoned father, finding courage through friendship and stories.
- What is The Breadwinner like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Breadwinner as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Breadwinner violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Breadwinner as mild.
- What did critics think of The Breadwinner?
- Critics broadly praised the film’s stunning animation, lyrical score, nuanced characterization, and honest treatment of Taliban-era oppression, while finding its rushed ending a minor weakness.
- Which films are like The Breadwinner?
- Films with a similar feel include Persepolis, Song of the Sea, The Breadwinner, and Grave of the Fireflies.
- How long is The Breadwinner?
- The Breadwinner runs 94 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Breadwinner?
- In United States, The Breadwinner is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
