This 2003 Afghan film depicts what life was like under the Taliban in powerful, suspenseful imagery. This film is much more visceral and well-crafted than I expected. The plot follows the 12-year-old daughter of a widowed female Afghan doctor. When the Taliban shuts down the hospital the mother works in and declares females unable to leave their houses unescorted by a male relative, the family of three (including the grandmother) realize that it's only a matter of time before they starve. They cut the girl's hair, so she can go out and find work. This begins a series of incidents too harrowing to delve further into here.

This is the first film made in Afghanistan since the Taliban rose to power and destroyed the native film industry. I don't know if it's a completely-accurate depiction of life under the Taliban, but I do know that it's a world-class thriller/tragedy depicting horrors in our current world which we, in our comforts here in the U.S., can only vaguely imagine without seeing something as graphic as this. Highly recommended, even if you've never watched an Asian film. (If I make it seem too strong for you to watch, I'll say that it's rated PG-13.)

Thanks for reminding me about this movie Mark, I completely forgot that I had seen it. I definately need to mention this in the "Saddest Movies" thread because this movie was so depressing. It was very well done, but the ending is so sad, that I just want to eat my television. Especially since it's a true story, I think....but even if it's not, stuff like that really has/is happening over there.

My Aunt has been recommending this film for a long time. Just recorded it last night on my DVR (I love that thing!!!). Thanks Mark.