The Breadwinner Edit

A fractured land in the claws of the Hindu Kush mountains,

A magic drum that beat so beautifully

A mirror that shone.

A pattern repeating itself endlessly.

A small amount?

Aaah!

Aatish Khan.

About time. You boys are not very strong.

Ah, there's my sweet little girl

All by himself.

All right.

All the empires forgot about us,

Always uncertain.

Am I getting married?

Am I to sell them at the market?

An ancient woman had been trying to milk a goat,

And asked the round man for food in return.

And began to see order amidst the chaos.

And bring Baba's walking stick. We have to get going.

And each time there were survivors.

And gave it back to Sulayman.

And he complimented the woman on her goats.

And he left the village

And he promised his people to find the precious seeds.

And he thanked the horse for saving his life.

And he was running out of time.

And he would do the milking instead.

And hurry! If the seeds are not planted soon, there will be no harvest.

And I am asking that you consider her as a bride for your youngest son, Ajmal.

And I can figure it out from there.

And I need to get more money to bribe the guard.

And I will do the milking instead.

And it was a very old horse whose bones clattered together when it walked.

And it's mounting up to a nice little sum.

And laughing and eating.

And maybe I'll join you.

And my sisters always fight each other.

And my sisters always fight each other.

And need little by the way of means.

And nothing to eat come next winter.

And she died some hours afterward.

And should never expect to go to heaven.

And so on and so on.

And so on he went alone.

And so Sulayman made a shelter for the horse

And so, there was dancing and singing and laughing and eating.

And something that soothes.

And still he could not face it.

And swirled and twirled and scared the round man

And that's where I'd set up my business, and you could join me.

And the round man wanted them brought up to him as payment for the wasted hay.

And the thing that chased him also ran.

And the thing that chased him never stopped.

And their hills of gold?

And then back out again.

And they all lived happily ever after.

And told him to wait for him.

And we have no word on when he will be released, if at all.

And we'll forget all about dresses for a while.

And?

Anything written!

Anything written! Anything read!

Anything written! Anything read!

Anything written! Anything read!

Anything written! Anything read!

Anything written! Anything read!

Anything written! Anything read!

Anything written! Anything read!

Anything written! Anything read! Pashto and Dari!

Anything written. Anything read.

Anything written. Anything read.

Anything written. Anything read.

Are you all right?

Are you making fun of me, old man?

As borders were defined and redefined...

As fast as you can.

Ask for Roshan. He's my cousin.

At night, the boy walked through the pine trees

At the bottom of the well there were emeralds,

Away. Keep away from my things.

Baba could come back, and no one will be here waiting for him.

Baba jan!

Baba, I can't remember about the Silk Road.

Baba, that's not what I meant.

Baba!

Baba!

Baba! Is he alive?

Baba?

Be brave, Sulayman.

Be quiet, Parvana. She has enough to worry about.

Beautiful items for sale!

Beautiful items for sale!

Because it was the end.

Because it was the end.

Big, spiky, bad Elephant King!

Black rubble earth against ice peaks.

Black rubble earth against ice peaks.

Brought here two weeks ago without charge.

But all was not lost.

But as he looked into it, he saw the reflection of the thing that followed him!

But as Sulayman left,

But at a great cost.

But he had a warm hat and a big coat.

But he is not a good father.

But he was too terrified to turn around and face it.

But her back was very sore.

But I am writing to you now to tell you that my husband has been arrested

But I've heard that the moon pulls the water onto the shore

But if they let Baba go,

But it did not last.

But it's hard work.

But please know that when I last spoke to Hala,

But Sulayman knew he had to face the Elephant King and the jaguars

But the boy, he did not cry bitter tears.

But the horse did something extraordinary.

But the horse was getting slower and slower.

But the round man was wicked and cheap.

But the sky is far and the earth is hard. We will have to sell it soon.

But there's half a bucket by the door.

But these juices are warm. I don't want warm juice.

But they laughed.

But we can't go outside without Baba.

But we have to try.

But we were at the edges of empires at war with each other,

But we've never even met them. How do you know they will help?

But when he looked at it, he saw something behind him.

But you have an older brother, don't you?

But you know how it goes, right?

But, sir, can I please have six apples?

Can you believe the water is that blue?

Can you write as good as you read?

Carrying goods from east to west.

Chased by the unknown demons until he could run no more.

Children went to school, women went to university.

Come on!

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on. Take it out of the envelope.

Come out now!

Come out now!

Come with us.

Come, Soraya. We must start a fire.

Continue the story, Parvana.

Couldn't you fill them up all the way?

Count yourself lucky I'm taking you, old woman.

Cover yourselves now!

Dear Cousin, it has been many years since we have spoken,

Deliwar!

Deliwar!

Deliwar!

Deliwar.

Deliwar. Deliwar!

Did you see? Did you see?

Die.

Do I look like a boy?

Do you hear?

Do you know how to read?

Do you know what it means?

Do you see what is happening?

Doesn't make a difference. They'll keep him or let him go, but there's nothing you can do.

Don't argue with me.

Don't be in such a hurry to grow up, my sweet girl.

Don't be stupid. I'll give you 300.

Don't eat all the raisins, Parvana. Leave them for Zaki.

Don't worry about that now.

Don't you know?

Don't... Give me my baby!

Down.

Down.

Down.

Each time there was bloodshed,

East is the other way.

Eighty five and a bunch of g****s, and that's final.

Eighty five, and that's final.

Either you go out and get more water after dinner...

Elephant? Elephant?

Elephant.

Elephant.

Especially for one boy

Every day you come home with cuts and blisters.

Every day you go out there, and I don't know if I'll see you back again.

Everyone was happy.

Everything changes, Parvana.

Excuse me!

Excuse me.

Excuse me. Salaam!

Fine. The boy felt sad for the old horse and fed him hay.

First came a coup d'état, then an invasion,

For a while at least.

For the right price.

For Zaki.

From a door carved into the stone,

From now on, you're staying inside.

Gather your family. We must leave immediately.

Gather your things. We are leaving now!

Genghis Khan,

Get a move on, lazy kids.

Get in the car. Get in the car now!

Get in, or she won't be the only child you'll lose today!

Get out of here now, child. Go on.

Get out of here. They'll see you!

Get out!

Get up and make us tea.

Get up here! Come on!

Get up, Parvana. Stop playing around.

Girl!

Give him a name before I do.

Give me my baby!

Give me my baby. Give him to me!

Give them to me, please!

Go and see your Baba.

Go away. I said go away, you silly dog!

Go change Sulayman's clothes,

Go to the prison on Wednesday.

Go, unless you're going to kill me.

Go!

Go! Go home!

Go! Keep running!

Go.

Go.

Going to the prison will change nothing.

Grroar!

Grroar! Grroar!

Grrrroar!

Guide your path, and give you courage."

Hah!

Hala.

Handmade in Mazar e Sharif.

He began to run,

He can't even lift his hand.

He died.

He had already found one of the three things...

He had fallen down the hill and into the deepest of sleeps.

He knew his heart was fated to serve his people,

He looked toward the mountain and he shouted...

He needed to rest, being very, very old,

He neighed with the voice of all the world's animals.

He ran into the night,

He should be punished for letting you outside like this!

He threw a fishing net at Sulayman and he told him to get his own food.

He told the villagers who had been weeping bitter tears

He took the bag of seed from the center of the mountain

He tumbled down a hill.

He used to bring you to school on his shoulders.

He wants you to continue your story about the elephant.

He was hungry.

He was such a good boy.

He was taken to prison. But he did nothing wrong.

He'd be lucky.

He'll get used to you by the time you come back.

He'll need a light in the window to see home.

He's dead. I'm putting him with the others. Open the door. Let me through.

He's got forbidden books, and he's teaching the women with them!

He's in there! I saw him!

Help him, please.

Her injuries were too great to bear

Here you are. Now be off.

Here.

Here's 1,000.

Here's your cap.

Hey, Deliwar.

Hey, look what I've got.

Hey, stop!

Hey, stop!

Hey, we did all that you asked.

Hey, you two! Come here!

Hey, you!

Hey, you! What do you think you're doing?

Hey! Hey! I told you to stop! Why do you keep running?

Hey! I am looking for Roshan.

Hey! Zaki, stop it.

Hey.

His name is Sulayman.

Hmm. That sounds nice, Deliwar.

How can we leave without Baba?

How could he come home? He doesn't even have his stick to walk with.

How do you know that, Mama jan? How do you know?

How much for the dress?

How should I know? Answer the question. Where is he?

How? Was it the sickness?

Hush, Parvana. You'll wake Zaki.

I am a good son.

I am begging you.

I am Deliwar now.

I am looking for Roshan.

I am looking for Roshan. I am looking for Roshan.

I am looking for Roshan. I am looking for Roshan.

I am not afraid of you,

I am Shauzia! Remember? From school?

I am sorry to tell you that Hala Begum died on the way to her sister's wedding.

I am your second cousin. Mohammed Abdul sent me from Mazar.

I bought them especially for you.

I came here once when I ran away.

I can.

I can't help you.

I can't leave Kabul, Parvana, not like this.

I can't lose you too.

I can't.

I could write to them for help.

I didn't come all this way for nothing.

I didn't pay you last time.

I don't have them,

I don't know.

I don't know. Ask our father.

I don't remember what happened after that

I don't remember what happened after that.

I don't think I can go on like this.

I don't think I'll recognize you then, Aatish.

I dropped the bag.

I found it in a little box where my father keeps his things.

I found someone who can help me,

I have come for my Baba!

I have joined the Taliban and now I fight the enemies of Islam.

I have no son at home, except an infant. I need my daughter to help me.

I have not come to kill you.

I have to see my father! I have to see him!

I just need to find a way to get to Peshawar,

I just need to, that's all.

I kept this in case you wanted it.

I knew what peace felt like, here in this city.

I know that boy.

I know what it means, but it's still not a name.

I know who you are!

I know you.

I lost a shoe.

I lost my cap, although I think it's outside.

I lost my leg in the war. The war we fought together.

I need a helper because this tray is too heavy. Will you help?

I need a kilo of rice, a half kilo of lentils, and a small amount of raisins.

I need to find a way to see my Baba.

I need to find out what happened to him!

I need to rest a moment.

I need to.

I never wore it. Not even once.

I picked it up.

I picked it up.

I picked it up.

I promise.

I promise.

I provide for you just fine.

I remembered my name. It's Aatish.

I said bring the gun back!

I said come here. Now!

I said put him down.

I said stand up!

I said stop looking at her.

I said stop!

I said, I will get the bag of seed back before spring.

I saved you a piece of naan.

I saw you serve a woman! I saw you with my own eyes!

I saw you sitting down over there instead of working.

I see.

I should have helped.

I think the way in has gotten smaller or I have gotten bigger.

I think there's a beach in Goa

I usually just pretend I work here.

I want to put my feet on the warm sand and have them cooled by the lapping water.

I want to see that.

I want you playing and telling stories.

I was your teacher once. You were a good student.

I will get the bag of seed back before spring.

I will scream and curse you

I will see you again, old horse.

I wish I was stronger.

I won't let that happen this time.

I'd buy things and sell things, like I do here, but for myself.

I'll be back tonight before curfew.

I'll be looking for a wife soon.

I'll call you Aatish then.

I'll give you 85.

I'll go to the market.

I'll have a word with Mama jan and we'll sort it all out.

I'll heat it up for you so it's nice and fresh. All right?

I'll meet you at that beach you were talking about,

I'll need it today.

I'm going back there, to the prison.

I'm going back to the prison.

I'm going to find Baba.

I'm his nephew, uh... Aatish.

I'm late already because you took so long to load the truck.

I'm laying out Soraya's good clothes.

I'm not a taxi. Make your own way home.

I'm not going to deliver, am I?

I'm not going to stay here forever, you know.

I'm not going.

I'm not leaving without Parvana. We have to wait.

I'm saving up too. Whatever money I can hide from my father, I keep.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. It's just the way it is.

I'm sorry. Maybe come back later.

I'm taking it to him, to the prison.

I'm too old for that now.

I'm writing to you with sad news.

I've been looking for you everywhere.

I've heard there is a guy who pays well for small jobs.

Idrees suggested we have a little arm wrestling match.

Idrees, it has begun! We are moving west.

Idrees, stop now.

Idrees!

Idrees.

If business picks up, then we won't have to sell it, sure.

If I'm not back before the sun has gone down, you run.

If they're rich, they would buy my blue stones,

If we do not go now, we won't get out of here at all.

If you look like you believe it, then they will too.

If you make trouble like this,

If you run out and get some water,

If you try it more gently, it'll be easier.

In frightful vengeance for having lost them their lives.

In order to overcome the Elephant King...

In return, the old woman gave him a mirror.

In the chaos,

In the village,

Is it a happy story or a sad story?

It doesn't work like that, Parvana.

It exploded.

It exploded.

It exploded.

It is a simple question.

It is just one man. What does it matter?

It is not his blood. He lives.

It is rain that makes the flowers grow,

It looks old.

It means "brave."

It might have insulted him.

It might not be all that you expect.

It smells delicious, Parvana.

It was good to see you.

It was more work than you said.

It was the end.

It was the nicest milk he had ever tasted,

It wasn't scary at all.

It will be dark soon.

It won't work, Parvana.

It's a big, hairy mole.

It's all right, Mama jan.

It's all right. He's my son.

It's almost curfew.

It's been arranged. There's nothing I can do.

It's been weeks now, and my family has had no word of him.

It's big enough to choke him!

It's either ours, or the mice eat it.

It's me. See?

It's not permitted to be out here without your husband or your brother.

It's not that simple, Parvana.

It's not the job of a child.

It's the middle of the story, not the end!

It's the moon.

It's the only thing of value we have left.

It's the only way, Mama Jan. We have nothing left.

It's very nice.

It's Wednesday. I've come to meet your cousin Roshan.

It's working, Sulayman! Tell him. Tell him!

Just wait and see.

Keep him quiet!

Keep him quiet. I'm trying to sleep.

Last we heard of him, the boy had fallen down.

Leave the poor kids alone.

Let him be, Soraya. You're spoiling his fun.

Let me go see him before we leave.

Let me see how feeble you are, little one.

Let me tell him where we are going.

Let Parvana go.

Let's go home now.

Let's see if you're any good.

Listen. Go through the old town, or you'll be caught.

Literally stolen. But you know...

Little guy doesn't even know when he's being made fun of.

Look at him smiling!

Look away, can't you?

Louder, or I will have to take my business elsewhere.

Magic some money into your hand like in your kids' stories?

Make me some tea.

Mama jan has been through enough without you doing something so stupid.

Mama jan has cousins in Mazar e Sharif.

Mama jan, I'm going.

Mama jan, now that I am a boy

Mama jan, please sit down.

Mama jan, you're squashing the naan.

Mama jan!

Mama jan?

Mama jan?

Mama jan? Can I light the lamp?

Mama jan.

Mama jan.

Mama.

Mama...

Market sellers won't risk getting in trouble for serving you.

May Allah bless you now,

May the blessings of Allah be upon you. Fattema.

Maybe if I go out early, before it's crowded.

Maybe if we think of it like a story.

Maybe if you didn't wash your hair so much, we wouldn't run out so quickly.

Maybe Parvana would like to read something for us?

Maybe they'll find a husband for you too and your troubles will be over.

Me and Deliwar. She's a girl too. We work together.

Monsters were coming.

My back is very sore.

My daughter is out there.

My eldest daughter is now of age,

My family is in a desperate situation and I need your help.

My father is a teacher.

My father is a teacher.

My father is a teacher.

My father was taken to prison and we've heard nothing of him since.

My father would come all the way to Mazar to kill me.

My husband took my burqa. I needed to buy medicine.

My mother is a writer.

My mother is a writer.

My mother is a writer.

My name is Sulayman.

My name is Sulayman.

My name is Sulayman.

My name is Sulayman.

My sister is getting married in Mazar e Sharif.

My son is away. We must wait for him to return.

My wife was named for that light.

Neither have I.

Nevertheless, the woman told him he'd need to find three things...

No one has ever overcome the Elephant King.

No, he didn't.

No, Mama jan.

No, no. It probably wasn't enough.

No, Parvana, we can't do that.

No, the boy.

No, you see, you weren't supposed to come so soon.

No.

Not much older than you are now.

Not right now, Mama jan. I'm tired.

Not thunder.

Not very bright, this one.

Nothing. Just getting rid of a kid.

Now get out of here unless you want some more.

Now go.

Now run away to Mazar e Sharif and have a nice wedding party.

Now that you're here.

Now, what can you tell me about the Silk Road?

Nurullah Alizai, you must come with us.

Of course not. You are still a child.

Of these mighty rulers came Cyrus the Great of Persia.

Oh, but it's not a raisin.

Oh!

Oh!

On his way to the mountain to face the Elephant King.

Once I find Baba.

Once there was a young boy called Sulayman.

Once you find your Baba.

One day I found a toy on the street.

One day I found a toy on the street.

One day I found a toy on the street.

One day I found a toy on the street.

One time in the deep past,

One time in the distant past,

Only then would he overcome the Elephant King.

Open the door.

Or an old man.

Or swim about on floating tubes.

Or you can wash Zaki's dirty diapers.

Or you'll get them dirty.

Our land was the petrified skeleton of a monster.

Over thousands of years.

Ow!

Par...

Parvana is going to the market for food and water.

Parvana, apologize to Soraya.

Parvana, this is only half a bucket.

Parvana, were you listening at all?

Parvana, what did you give Zaki?

Parvana!

Parvana!

Parvana?

Parvana?

Parvana?

Parvana.

Parvana.

Parvana.

Parvana.

Pashto and Dari.

Pashto and Dari. Beautiful items for sale.

Pashto and Dari. Beautiful items for sale.

Peace be upon you. Are you Fattema?

Please don't go.

Please don't mention the dress.

Please eat, Mama jan. You'll feel better when your belly is full.

Please sit under the shade of this tree,

Please take it.

Please take us out of Kabul

Please, it is much too dangerous now.

Please! Open up!

Praise Allah. He has returned you to me.

Put him down!

Questions sought answers and then more questions.

Raise your words, not your voice.

Razaq! I have come for my father.

Razaq?

Razaq?

Razaq? Razaq?

Razaq. Razaq!

Right now! You little coward!

Roar!

Roshan has gone to fight.

Run as far away as you can from here and you keep on running.

Run, Soraya.

S... Sora... Soraya!

Salaam, child. I can't serve you.

Salaam! Salaam! Come inside, boy!

Salaam. Can I have a kilo of rice, please?

Salaam. Can you tell me the way to Pul e Charkhi?

Salaam. Hello!

Salaam. How much for six apples, please?

Salaam. It's handmade.

Salaam. Salaam!

Salaam. Uh, it's east, past the river.

Scorched by the fiery eyes of the Northern Deserts,

Scorched by the fiery eyes of the northern deserts.

Scratch my nose. Quickly. If I let go of the tray, the strap will break.

See how it shines!

See how it sparkles?

See?

See? We're cleaners.

Shauzia.

Shauzia.

She doesn't speak of it. All right?

She had a drum.

She is my wife.

She is only a child. She meant nothing by it.

She knew he must be on a quest, and so she asked him...

She should be at home, not displaying herself in the market.

She told him to head east.

She told me of your kindness toward her.

She's already been promised to someone.

She's drawing attention to herself!

She's not a child anymore, she tells me.

Shh, shh, shh, Parvana. It's time to sleep.

Shh.

Should I go by my imagination?

Show me. Show me where it says her name.

Shut up!

Sir, we have come to work.

So how long should we wait?

So I could sell them those things.

So she doesn't like stories.

So that we may have a chance of survival.

So the boy hid behind a tree and he waited for courage.

So these are the new workers?

So you don't hesitate next time somebody asks you.

So you'd better go look for them.

So...

Some looked to those who might restore order.

Someone will come for us the day after tomorrow to take us away.

Something scary. Something dreadful!

Something that ensnares,

Something that ensnares.

Something that shines,

Something that shines, something that ensnares and something that...

Something was following him in the darkness,

Sometimes, on a clear night when you look at the moon,

Son? Daughter? Which is it?

Soothe him with your story,

Soraya is writing a letter for the prison governor

Soraya.

Sorry, Uncle.

Stay inside where you belong!

Stay on the path. This place might be mined.

Still something followed the boy,

Stop it, Parvana. You're upsetting her.

Stop it, Zaki. Can I pull yours?

Stop it. Stop it.

Stop when I tell you!

Stop when I tell you!

Stop!

Stories remain in our hearts even when all else is gone.

Stories remind us of that.

Suddenly, he could see skeletons.

Sulayman and the horse continued their journey toward the mountain,

Sulayman climbed up, up, all the way to the top,

Sulayman had just three emeralds with him...

Sulayman lay at the bottom of the well.

Sulayman returned to his village.

Sulayman!

Sulayman!

Sulayman! Sulayman!

Sulayman.

Sulayman.

Sulayman.

Sulayman.

Sulayman.

Sulayman.

Sulayman.

Take me home.

Tell him a story.

Tell him Razaq sent you and he will help you, if he can.

Tell him that Deliwar said so.

Tell him that his daughter is a good daughter.

Tell him what happened.

Tell him your story.

Tell him.

Tell me more about the boy.

Thank you for saving my life.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Thank you very, very much.

That boy needs some discipline.

That he would get the bag of seed back before spring.

That his heart woke up.

That might be enough for a good bribe.

That outline is called hala.

That's a good name.

That's better.

That's my business.

That's my girl.

That's the last one, I think.

That's the man. An enemy of Islam.

The boy had been told he needed three things

The boy ran and ran, his heart beating fast in fear.

The boy ran faster and so did his pursuer.

The boy said he was being taken to Pul e Charkhi prison, so that's where we are going.

The boy took pity on her and told her to rest under the shade of a tree

The boy was cold.

The boy was delighted with the mirror,

The bus she was traveling on hit a land mine.

The dreadful Elephant King with spikes for tusks.

The Elephant was transformed.

The ghosts of the three skeletons came out of the three emeralds

The girl and the baby are of more worth.

The ground became weak under our feet,

The horse protested...

The land of the noble and honorable.

The land of the noble.

The mirror shines!

The monsters frightened the donkeys and ate the trees.

The net ensnares! Throw it over them!

The old woman shared the lovely, warm milk with him.

The one that Mama jan can't speak of.

The poor old horse looked back at him from way above.

The poor villagers cried bitter tears.

The round man threw the boy deep into the belly of an ancient well.

The seeds for next year's crop.

The Silk Road.

The story boy.

The teacher is my father. I am Parvana, his daughter.

The villagers had just managed to gather precious seeds.

Then a civil war.

Then Alexander the Great of Macedon.

Then I will be a good sister and a good daughter.

Then I will go with you.

Then I'll never hear the end of it.

Then it suits me fine.