Film Review: Rule Breakers – A Stunning Tribute to Perseverance and Innovation

 

Film Review: Rule Breakers – A Stunning Tribute to Perseverance and Innovation

Nothing has ever happened unless someone had dreamed it first. These words, spoken by the lead character in Rule Breakers, echo the heart of this beautifully crafted film. Directed by two-time Oscar winner Bill Guttentag, this visually stunning and emotionally charged drama brings a powerful true story to the big and small screen with breathtaking cinematography, top-tier production value, and an inspiring narrative that refuses to let go of the viewer’s heart.

Based on the remarkable true story of Roya Mahboob and the Afghan all-girls robotics team, Rule Breakers follows a group of young women defying societal norms to pursue STEM education in Afghanistan. Under Roya’s guidance, these determined students secretly learn computing and robotics, ultimately competing on the world stage. Their journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless fight against adversity.

From the very first frame, Rule Breakers immerses its audience in a visually rich and emotionally compelling world. The cinematography is striking, balancing intimate character moments with sweeping, cinematic storytelling that highlights the vast landscapes of Afghanistan and the high-stakes environments of international robotics competitions. The film’s direction is meticulous, ensuring that every moment carries weight, whether it’s the quiet intensity of a student assembling a circuit board or the soaring highs of a hard-fought victory.

What makes Rule Breakers truly stand out is its ability to keep viewers glued to the screen. The tension builds organically, as the girls not only battle complex engineering challenges but also confront cultural and political resistance that threatens their dreams. The script, co-written by Bill Guttentag, Jason Brown, and Elaha Mahboob, delivers deeply moving dialogue, making each triumph and setback resonate beyond the screen.

Produced by Laura Bilodeau Overdeck, a dedicated education reformer, and Roya Mahboob, Afghanistan’s first female tech CEO, Rule Breakers is not just a film—it’s a movement. It highlights the importance of representation, the power of education, and the necessity of breaking barriers for women and girls worldwide. This is a story that needed to be told, and Guttentag and his team deliver it with remarkable artistry and authenticity.

The film reaches its climax as the Afghan Dreamers, after facing visa denials, media scrutiny, and threats back home, finally compete and win an award in Washington, D.C. Their perseverance does not end there, as they go on to claim victory at a major international robotics competition in New Mexico. The journey is gripping, uplifting, and, above all, essential.

With a runtime of two hours, Rule Breakers never lags—each scene is woven seamlessly, ensuring that the stakes remain high and the emotional depth never wanes. It is a masterclass in storytelling, where every frame serves a purpose, and every performance breathes authenticity into this true tale of courage.

In a time when women's rights and access to education remain pressing global issues, Rule Breakers is more than just a film—it is a beacon of hope. This is a must-watch, not just for film lovers but for anyone who believes in the power of dreams and the necessity of breaking the rules to change the world.

Genre: Drama
Runtime: 2 hours
Writers: Bill Guttentag, Jason Brown, Elaha Mahboob
Director: Bill Guttentag
Release Date: Rule Breakers will be playing in select theaters beginning March 6, 2025.

"A visually stunning and emotionally gripping masterpiece, Rule Breakers is a must-see triumph of resilience, innovation, and the power of dreams—an instant classic for all ages."---Magrira - New York Amsterdam News