To save her family, this Afghan girl must disguise herself as a boy

Summary

The animated film 'The Breadwinner' tells the story of Parvana, an Afghan girl who must disguise herself as a boy to support her family under the oppressive Taliban regime. As she navigates the harsh realities of life in Kabul, she embarks on a quest to free her imprisoned father, encountering both friendship and peril along the way. The narrative intertwines with a mythical tale of courage and ingenuity, reflecting Parvana's own journey to overcome adversity and restore her family's unity.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The story is set in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the Taliban regime, where women faced severe restrictions.
• 👧 The protagonist, Parvana, is an Afghan girl who disguises herself as a boy to support her family and buy necessities.
• 🛍️ Parvana's initial appearance is at a market with her father, selling goods to support the family's economy.
• 🚫 The Taliban's oppressive rule is highlighted by the prohibition on women leaving their homes without male accompaniment and serving in the market.
• 👨‍🏫 Parvana's father, a former teacher, imparts knowledge and history to his children, including the story of the Silk Road and Afghanistan's past.
• 💥 The narrative includes the harsh reality of war, as Parvana's father is taken to prison by the Taliban under false pretenses.
• 👥 Parvana's family dynamics are depicted, including her mother, older sister Soraya, and baby brother Zaki, all struggling with the consequences of war.
• 🏃‍♀️ Parvana's bravery is shown as she ventures out in disguise to secure food and resources for her family after her father's arrest.
• 🤝 Parvana forms a friendship with Shauzia (Deliwar), another girl in a similar situation, and they support each other.
• 📖 Parvana's literacy skills become a means of survival as she offers letter-reading services to earn money for her family.
• 🐘 The story within a story involves Parvana telling a tale of a boy confronting an elephant monster, which parallels her own struggle against oppressive forces.

Q & A

What is the main setting of the animated film 'The Breadwinner'?

The main setting of 'The Breadwinner' is the city of Kabul, Afghanistan, during the time of the Taliban regime.

Who is the protagonist of the story and what challenge does she face?

The protagonist is Parvana, an Afghan girl who must disguise herself as a boy to help her family's economy and survive under the Taliban regime.

Why were women prohibited from leaving their homes under the Taliban rule?

Under the Taliban rule, women were prohibited from leaving their homes except with their husbands and brothers due to the strict interpretation of Islamic law by the Taliban.

What role did Parvana's father, Baba, play in her life before the Taliban took control?

Baba was a teacher and taught Parvana and her siblings various school subjects, providing them with education and a sense of normalcy before the war.

How does the story of the elephant monster in Parvana's storytelling relate to her real-life situation?

The story of the elephant monster parallels Parvana's real-life struggles, where she, like the boy in her story, must face adversity and use her courage and resourcefulness to overcome challenges.

What incident led to Baba's arrest by the Taliban?

Baba was arrested by the Taliban on the pretext of possessing a forbidden book, which was a fabricated excuse by the Taliban.

How does Parvana's mother react when she is beaten by a man for violating the Taliban's rules?

Parvana's mother is left weak and bruised after being beaten, but she continues to fight for her family, showing resilience and determination.

What is the significance of Parvana cutting her hair and dressing as a boy?

Parvana cutting her hair and dressing as a boy is significant as it allows her to move freely in public spaces, buy food for her family, and seek help to free her father from prison.

Who is Shauzia, and how does she relate to Parvana's situation?

Shauzia, also known as Deliwar, is another girl who disguises herself as a boy for survival. She becomes a friend and ally to Parvana, sharing a similar plight and providing support.

What is the turning point for Parvana in her quest to free her father?

The turning point is when Parvana meets Razaq, who, after learning her true identity, agrees to help her free her father from prison by introducing her to his cousin, Roshan.

How does the story end, and what does it signify for Parvana and her family?

The story ends with Parvana successfully freeing her father from prison and reuniting with her mother, Soraya, and Zaki under the same moonlit sky, signifying hope and the possibility of rebuilding their lives together.