Parvana from 'The Breadwinner' creates Afghan 'Mulan'

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The award-winning film "The Breadwinner," which hit theaters in China on January 11, has had a mediocre box office but very positive reviews from moviegoers.

It has taken in just 4.8 million yuan up so far, contrasting with its high rating of 8.9 out of 10 stars from 2,000 contributors on Maoyan, a film review and ticketing platform in China.

Moreover, 72.9 percent of the reviewers rated it between 9 or 10 stars.

A still from "The Breadwinner" featuring Parvana (L) in boys' clothes and her friend Shauzia (R). /Photo via Xinhua News Agency

The film has won critical acclaim, having been nominated for Best Animated Feature at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes. It has won Best Animation at the Los Angeles Film Critics Awards and Best Animated Feature at the Toronto Film Critics Awards. Its screenplay, music, and sound editing have all received broad recognition.

It's not in 3D. It's not a Hollywood blockbuster. So why do people view it so favorably?

Because of the touching plot, netizens say. The story goes like this: In Afghanistan where males dominate, an 11-year-old girl named Parvana lives in a family where they barely make ends meet. After a rioter from the Taliban imprisons her dad, the family loses the only adult male. Parvana has to disguise herself as a boy to make a living and feed her family.

A still from "The Breadwinner". /Photo via Xinhua News Agency

The tale reflects the gender inequality and traditional values in Afghanistan, as Parvana can't support the family as a girl because of rules like a "female is only allowed to go outside when accompanied by male" and "no goods are allowed to be sold to females."

In the film, the tormenting war is so close to the audience. When Parvana's family members are disabled, imprisoned, beaten, or even killed, you will experience how cruel the war is and how precious peace can be.

Co-producer Angelina Jolie, director Nora Twomey (C) and cast member Saara Chaudry (R) attend the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, "The Breadwinner" Premiere at Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto, September 10, 2017. /VCG Photo

It's touching that such virtues of kindness, courage, sense of responsibility, and perseverance amid hardships can be found so distinctly in a girl of only 11, an age when many still enjoy their parents' protection and being spoiled.

In Chinese ancient legend and poetry, there is a similar story. A woman named Hua Mulan disguised herself as a man to obtain compulsory conscription during wartime as an alternative to her father.

Liu Yifei plays Hua Mulan in Disney's upcoming live-action film "Mulan." /VCG Photo

In China, Mulan is a heroine, not only because she survived and made exploits in the war, but also her virtues of filial piety, bravery, selflessness and diligence. Her story is written in textbooks and is taught to kids generation after generation.

Disney produced an animation feature in 1998 called "Mulan" telling her story. A live-action film about Mulan is also on the way, and Chinese actress Liu Yifei will play the leading role.

It is said the live-action film will be released in 2020.

(Top Photo: A poster for "The Breadwinner". /Photo via Xinhua News Agency)