Our ongoing adventures at TIFF
One of the most exciting animation houses in the world is Ireland's Cartoon Saloon. In its early years its largely been a showcase for co-founder Tomm Moore who made Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea (both deservedly Oscar nominated). Now Nora Twomey, also a co-founder, steps into the director's chair for their third feature, another visual stunner. (If you haven't seen their films yet get to it. They're doing the consistently best non-Pixar derivative animation on earth now that Studio Ghibli has slowed way down.)
This time we depart Ireland for an adaptation of The Breadwinner, Deborah Ellis's bestseller about an Afghani girl who disguises herself as a boy to provide for her family when her father is imprisoned by the Taliban. Without a male relative to escort them around the city they're trapped in their home with no way to earn money or go shopping...
The central story, filled with unjust imprisonment and gender based oppression (all the women dream of better lives with no way to work towards them) is naturally very sad. Parvana fights the sadness and comforts her family and friends with the retelling of a famous myth about a brave boy battling an Elephant King.
a family dinner before the Taliban takes the loving father away
Parvana fights the sadness and comforts her family and friends with the retelling of a famous myth about a brave boy battling an Elephant King. Though this story within the story makes The Breadwinner's pacing awkward at best and sometimes crowds out fuller potential characterizations of Parvana's family, it's crucial in varying up the film's tone and the repetitiveness of their desperate situation. The comically inspired stylized cut-out animation of the story sequences, provide much needed levity and escape from the dangerous real story for both the audience and Parvana's family.
All in all The Breadwinner, is a well meaning and moving film. It was produced by a team that includes Angelina Jolie and is wonderfully voiced by Middle Eastern actors rather than white American movie stars. Incidentally it might well be the perfect film for progressive parents to show to their children as a gateway to human rights discussions, religious extremism in politics, and the endless versatility of animated cinema. Start them with this one and move on to Persepolis when they're a little older to continue the conversation.
Finally this desert fable is another necessary reminder that animation is a medium rather than a genre. It's capable of generating myriad kinds of wonder and has the ability to tell any kind of story. There's a whole new world out there beyond adventure comedies and princess musicals. If only family audiences would be willing to explore it.
the story within the story
Grade: B+ /B
Oscar Chances: It's got a good shot at a Best Animated Feature nomination IF the new rules, which have expanded the voting to include non animation trained professionals, don't tilt the voting too far in favor of Disney/Pixar and their many mainstream imitators. The score by Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna could also be of interest.
Reviews of Other Animated Oscar Contenders:
In this Corner of the World (Japan) reviewed by Tim Brayton
The Big Bad Fox (France) reviewed by Tim Brayton
Coco (US) reviewed by Jorge Molina
The Girl Without Hands (France) reviewed by Tim Brayton
The Emoji Movie (US) reviewed by Sean Donovan
The Boss Baby (US) reviewed by Nathaniel R
Loving Vincent (UK/Poland) reviewed by Tim Brayton
Bird Boy: The Forgotten Children (Spain) reviewed by Tim Brayton