SOMETIMES complex issues are best seen through the eyes of a child and that is what makes The Breadwinner so powerful.

The animated film, from executive producer Angelina Jolie and acclaimed Irish studio Cartoon Saloon, tells the story of 11-year-old Parvana growing up under the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001.

She struggles to make sense of her life in an unjust and brutal regime where it is forbidden for women to work, be educated or even buy food.

Parvana cannot leave the house without a man as chaperone and sees violence against women on a daily basis. She is also haunted by the death of her older brother Sulayman but draws strength from her father's kindness, stories and willingness to break the rules if it means putting his family first.

But when her father is arrested and the family – including her mother, sister and baby brother – have no way to provide for themselves it gives Parvana the courage to stand up to the Taliban.

The 11-year-old cuts her hair and wears her brother Sulayman's clothes to pretend to be a boy as she risks everything to venture onto the dangerous streets of Kabul to get food and find a way to free her father.

The animation in The Breadwinner is stylish and masterful.

Cartoon Saloon's animators have a particular skill in drawing out the emotion in their character's faces and Parvana's striking green eyes will stay with you for a long time.

The studio was previously behind the likes of the excellent Song of the Sea.

Through the eyes of Parvana, the story – based on the bestselling novel by Deborah Ellis – effectively shows how cruel and senseless the Taliban regime in Afghanistan was and gives a greater understanding why many were afraid to step out of line.

Parvana's gentle personality and the reason she is forced to make a stand makes it all the more inspirational and reminds us that sometimes courage and compassion can make a difference.

RATING: 7.5/10

DAVID MORGAN