Nurullah: I’ll have a word with* Mama-jan and we’ll sort it all out.
          Parvana: Please don’t mention the dress.

From The Breadwinner

* Have a word with: It refers to speaking to someone in private, often with a negative implication. This expression can be used as in the following example. “She knew she was in big trouble when the teacher asked to have a word with her after class.”

The Breadwinner, which means head of household, is an animated movie based on Deborah Ellis’s book series. The film is about the reality of people living in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. It captures the ruthless and harsh violence of the Taliban, which is indiscriminately inflicted on women, children and even the elderly. It also depicts the oppressive daily lives of the people of Afghanistan destroyed by the long war, and it especially shows the reality of women's rights. As of September 2021, the country has been retaken by the Taliban.

By Ma Joon-hee, Guest Reporter

<Reporter’s Review>

Du-jin: Seeing the other side of the world through this movie was tragic. Thinking that this tragedy might happen again in Afghanistan, makes me go crazy. As a human in the 21st century, the mindset of those people cannot be understood. Understanding a foreign culture like Islamic fundamentalism is very hard, but I know that this kind of culture needs to be disappear and it should not happen again. ★★★★☆

Ye-rin: The movie helped me to understand the situation of Afghanistan well. It was impressive that the situation for the main character Parvana completely changed when she disguised herself as a boy. It was kind of sad that there is still big discrimination towards women in the world. ★★★☆☆

Beom-seo: A country divided by war and religious beliefs. While evil exists, it is not always absolute, but merely the result of a social tragedy. ★★★★☆

Milana: This animated film is a work that can makes viewers uncomfortable and desperate. Desperation as we cannot do anything because of our gender or a political system, including religious laws, in a society. ★★★★★

Eun-ji: This movie gave me a good understanding of the reality of the Taliban. Religion was created to learn about the meaning of life through God, but it was regrettable that religion was affecting humans. I hope the people of Afghanistan, including “Parvana,” will be happy. ★★★★☆

Ji-u: Regarding how things are reaching a fever pitch in Afghanistan recently, this movie made me feel so depressed on how women and innocent people are damaged. It reminded me that I should maintain my attention to world issues. I wish the Taliban adapts their new style this time respecting human rights, especially those of women. ★★★★☆

Ju-yeon: “This country cannot go out without a man!” It was a big shock. The main character's mother said that God helped her, after being assaulted by men for no reason. I got goosebumps. I realized that wrong beliefs are so scary. I was impressed by this because I did not have a religion. I hope this country moves towards gender equality in the near future. ★★★★☆

Gulirano: The Breadwinner’s stunning schemes strongly indicate rewarding honesty and family loyalty. I could not hold my tears back when seeing the clothing, the food, the family atmosphere, and even the people’s manners. This movie shows a young girl’s brave life and sorrow, who relies on her power by being a storyteller and when in practical situations, she adapts to whatever obstacles she faces. This movie and the little hero remind me how precious freedom and tranquility are and it makes me believe that every time. ★★★★☆