Despite its visual appeal, the characters in Czech animator Michaela Pavl\u00e1tov\u00e1\u2019s clash-of-values family drama struggle to get past sorrowful stereotypes<\/p>\n
Post-Taliban Kabul is seen through the eyes of a Czech bride in this new film from acclaimed animation director Michaela Pavl\u00e1tov\u00e1, who was Oscar nominated in 1993 for her short film Words Words Words<\/a>. Adapted from a novel by war journalist Petra Proch\u00e1zkov\u00e1, the Golden Globe-nominated film boasts striking visuals, but lacks the kind of emotional authenticity that would elevate it beyond a sob story.<\/p>\n When Herra meets Nazir during their university days in the Czech Republic, it is love at first sight. Their relationship leads Herra to Afghanistan where the pair marry and live with Nazir\u2019s family. The culture shock comes swift: Herra has a difficult time adjusting to her stay-at-home existence and the harassment that she endures as a western woman in Kabul. While Nazir\u2019s grandfather is liberal and understanding, his brother-in-law Kaiz physically abuses his wife, and forces his daughter to marry against her will. When the couple begin working at an American base, Herra is stunned to see Nazir succumb to the influence of traditional patriarchal values.<\/p>\n