Buddha Collapsed Out Of Shame Review

Politics get personal in this charming feature, following a six year-old Afghan girl over a single day. While the local boys play, Baktay (Nikbakht Noruz) wants to learn to read. Determined to attend school, she must first buy a notebook, and tries to raise money by selling eggs. It’s a cultural insight that becomes more disturbing when bullies involve Baktay in play inspired by the war. The symbolism can be heavy-handed, but the inexperienced actors are engaging especially Noruz, who wins you over with her resourcefulness and sly smile. A promising debut from director Hana Makhmalbaf, who was just 18 at the time of filming.