By this point, I’m already used to the style of movies made under the umbrella of Angel Studios. The studio, once associated with Christianity-based productions, has widened its reach and is now experimenting with films pertaining to different “visions,” which is just my humble attempt to say different faiths. Regardless, their push is somewhat admirable, especially when their productions are made with the sole intention of bringing joy to their viewers.
Rule Breakers is no different from the rest, and yet there’s heart in the story about the empowered girls who got their chance to show the world they’re not the lesser elements in the equation their culture has put them in. The film is uplifting, unbearably sweet, and sometimes unbelievable. But does this mean I shouldn’t consider it a good movie? Not at all. The formulas sometimes work, and Rule Breakers is a good example that they are set for specific viewers who like to see movies that don’t require a lot from them.
The official logline of the film reads as follows: In a nation where educating girls is seen as rebellion, a visionary woman dares to teach young minds to dream. When their innovation draws global attention, their success sparks hope—and opposition. As threats loom and sacrifices are made, their courage and unity ignite a movement that could forever transform the world. Nevertheless, the film is fortunately not as generic as it sounds.
It’s a coming-of-age movie about young Afghan girls who are led by one fearless woman to put together a robotics team and face other nations in competitions. I’m not the best in the art of synopsis, but a summary should be more specific, and then Angel Studios can’t find a place to promote a movie beyond the boring standards of Hallmark narratives. But this is fortunately not a problem. It is just a bone to pick with independent movies whose crew believes that making a difference is just too risky. It’s ironic, but for a film titled Rule Breakers, more rules should be broken.
What is also important is that Rule Breakers still takes place within the frame of independent movies and everything this implies. The production value is high, and the film is actually made by Academy Award-winner Bill Guttentag. He does his best to achieve authenticity when following the rules of his producers and the style guidelines he’s supposed to follow. Good performances by the young cast are also the key to Rule Breakers being more than what you’re supposed to think of it.
I’m not in a position to question whether the events told in the movie are real. I know some viewers will pick it apart just for the sake of destroying it. But others may find it easy to let loose their expectations. I prefer to stay on the objective side of things and enjoy. Not all movies based on facts are 100% realistic, and it’s because the narrative doesn’t call for extreme realism. In Rule Breakers, there’s a good story, and in this case, that’s what matters.
Film critic. Lover of all things horror. Member of the OFCS. RT Approved Critic.
