The Breadwinner (2017)

"Parvana" is a young girl - only eleven years old - who is forced to use all of her wits and intelligence to help her family survive once her father is arrested and imprisoned by the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Her number one problem is, though, that girls are not even allowed outside of their homes without a male relative, much less permitted to work on the streets where she (recently shorn and pretending to be a boy) regales the curious with some fantastic tales of mystery and romance to try to make some money! She now has to tread a very fine line between keeping the cash coming in and avoiding the authorities, whilst she simultaneously works on a plan to try and free her dad. This is a cracking animation that tells a strong story with an engaging lead character who elicits sympathy, certainly, but who also demonstrates strength as her ingenuity is constantly tested by this intolerant administration as she simply refuses to be defeated! The style of the drawing is charming, and the score adds well to a potent story of determination, love and loyalty that is really a most enjoyable watch.

Another super flick from Cartoon Saloon! After watching and enjoying the Irish Folklore Trilogy from the studio, I simply had to check out their one other film to date: 'The Breadwinner'. I actually think that's kind of a boring title to be honest, but thankfully the film is anything but. It follows the lines that you'd, or at least I'd, expect given the subject matter, but it still adds extra weight to the story alongside plenty of heart. Saara Chaudry leads the voice cast excellently, with those behind the young Canadian putting in solid performances too. The animation, as usual for this Irish animation company, is exquisite. I'm eager to check out Cartoon Saloon's next film, with 'My Father's Dragon' due out at some point this year. Four films in, they haven't put a foot wrong with their releases yet. This 2017 production is very good - 8/10 from me, but it's a borderline 9/10 tbh.