The third Oscar-nominated feature from Kilkenny’s Cartoon Saloon (we’re almost getting blase about this) works up an intriguing tension by approaching the purpose of storytelling from two different directions. A live-action version of the story would be tough going, but Nora Twomey, an experienced Cartoon Saloon hand making her solo debut as director, works that ugly history into a pleasing animation that, without sugar-coating, educates, proselytises and entertains. If the previous Cartoon Saloon features, Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells, had a flaw, it was a lack of discipline in their narrative structure. Despite its frequent diversions into high fantasy, The Breadwinner has greater momentum and a more secure story arc. In these fashions, the visual aesthetic neatly echoes the narrative purpose.

Source: The Irish Times May 23, 2018 13:22 UTC