(Written by Intern, Miranda Zampogna)
In a wide shot of the desolate Afghan desert, over Arabic hip-hop, the beat-up car of three aspiring software entrepreneurs swerves off a dusty road when armed terrorists pull up. A cut to black palpitates tension. Forbidden by her country, real-life hero Roya Mahboon’s harrowing true story follows her advocacy for women’s computer learning. Directed by Bill Guttentag, co-written by Elaha Mahboob, and executive produced by Roya, this incredible drama recounts how she became one of the New York Times magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. Albeit repetitious, Rule Breakers proves to be an infectiously energetic and universal saga of hopeful resilience.
A rural school entrance, waving an Afghan flag in the year 2017, imparts a haunting first image, foreshadowing the Taliban’s later ban on women’s education. Roya (Nikohl Boosheri), driven by a childhood denial of computer learning, brings her software literacy program to an all-girls classroom. Leveraging international robotics competitions as her platform, Roya works alongside an Afghan-American tech executive (Ali Fazal) to empower young women against formidable odds. She assembles the Afghan Dreamers, a rag-tag crew of four diverse, spirited high school girls, and embarks on a rousing journey.
Embodying young Afghan girls’ hardships and fortitude, the portrayal of this robotics team is remarkable. Taara (Nina Hosseinzadeh), a skilled mechanic seeking a scholarship, becomes pivotal, and her unexpected, moving testimony with her father adds a lot of heart. Hosseinzadeh’s exceptional performance truly elevates the material, where a tearful moment by the end wouldn’t be as cogent without her tender delivery. At first obedient, Esin (Amber Afzali)’s path away from her iron-fisted uncle towards confidence is another resonant arc. Although less integral, yet still urgent, Sabine (Anita Major), a confident video game racer, and Haadiya (Sara Malal Rowe), a delivery driver forced to masquerade as a boy, represent the constraints of driving bans. A subtle, gradual shift from the “Dreamers” moniker, along with the message that anyone can be an expert in the sport of robotics, tactfully matures their professionalism. Despite Roya and an unresolved work-related decision being sidelined, her clear motivations and determined personality shine through.
Occasionally ham-fisted, progressive themes thoroughly engage and are surprisingly interwoven. Moments such as community support during an airport crisis and camaraderie of international competitors facing war-torn crises enrich a sense of unity. An American man guffawing at Taara’s skillful welding highlights a universality in this pervasive form of sexism. Robotics serves as a potent metaphor for personal and societal growth, mirroring the squad’s odyssey from malfunctioning prototypes to innovative designs. Rarely paired with technological progress, this motif also refreshes the sports genre’s sense of utopian hopefulness. Indeed, while some of the dialogue, montages, and pep talks feel too obvious, they ultimately serve the feel-good tone and drive forward a piquant underdog tale.
Amid a few misplaced scenes and underdeveloped conflicts, the pacing and structure have a strong start and finish. Conquering cultural obstacles, such as the distinct issue of a travel ban, varies emotion and momentum, surmounting an otherwise rigid consistency of trials. Minimizing the terrorists’ hostility disrupts believability; nevertheless, a focus on a combative spirit rather than despair subverts expectations. Montages and intercuts boost energy, whereas the second act skimps on another crucial competition. While the crisis feels earned, ill-placed sequences pull focus from the emotional impact. Repetitive near-forfeits only slightly detract from a stirring climax.
The cinematics, albeit not groundbreaking, charm with its mise-en-scène and digital imagery. Triumphant visuals, like an auditorium full of colorful hijabs and the Afghan flag proudly waving to a cheering crowd, are striking. Roya’s modern reimaginings of her rural town, where streets are lined with code, create a compelling contrast. Moreover, this thread cleverly twists into an illumination of Roya’s emotional turmoil. A whimsical, inspirational score incorporates traditional Arabic music, stirring an infectious enthusiasm. However, despite the real-life connection, the inclusion of will.i.am’s music mismatches with the period.
Rule Breakers heartwarmingly blends a sports drama with an apropos telling of female empowerment. Despite well-worn clichés, Roya Mahboob’s extraordinary work and the women of Afghanistan are given a fair, yet simultaneously crowd-pleasing, depiction. A tragic acknowledgment of the Taliban’s return to power, linked to an enduring message of strength, is done delicately and reinforces the justification for viewing. For audiences who resonate with themes of overcoming adversity and those intrigued by twists on the classic sports genre, this is quite the gem.
Programmed for success, Rule Breakers will reboot your sense of hope on Friday, March 7th.
