Rule Breakers (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Rule Breakers is a 2025 drama directed by Bill Guttentag, starring Nikohl Boosheri as Roya Mahboob, Noorin Gulamgaus and Amber Afzali. It runs 2 hours and earned $3 million worldwide on a $8 million budget. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h (120 min)
- Director
- Bill Guttentag
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Black Autumn Show
- Budget
- $8M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Rule Breakers About?
The premise of Rule Breakers without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
In a country where educating girls is considered an act of rebellion, a woman defies convention to inspire young minds. Their groundbreaking work gains international recognition, bringing hope and attracting opposition. Faced with increasing threats and personal sacrifices, their determination and solidarity fuel a movement with the potential to reshape society.
Rule Breakers Themes & Keywords
· 3 tags- women
- young
- coming of age drama
Rule Breakers Cast & Characters
Nikohl Boosheri leads the cast as Roya Mahboob, with Noorin Gulamgaus as Ali Mahboob and Amber Afzali as Esin. Directed by Bill Guttentag; 20 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Bill Guttentag
- Nikohl Boosheri as Roya Mahboob
-
Noorin Gulamgaus as Ali Mahboob - Amber Afzali as Esin
-
Fahim Fazli as Taliban commander
Also Starring in Rule Breakers
· 16 more- Ali Fazal Samir Sinha
- Tatsu Carvalho Hector
- Christian Contreras Jesus
- Waj Ali Ahmed
- Sami Fekkak Hamid
- Nada El Belkasmi Sima
- Christopher Goh David
- Mustafa Haidari Wali
- Faical Elkihel Muhammad
- Mohamed Bentaleb Soccer jersey man
- Samar Boukadida France 24 news reporter
- Lilian Castro María García
- Aziz Dhiouer Third Man
- Said el Hamdi Jamal
- Hasnae El Malki Janan
- Alexa Gorog Petra
More from Bill Guttentag
More films directed by Bill Guttentag, best-rated first: Nanking, Soundtrack for a Revolution, Knife Fight and Only the Dead.
Rule Breakers Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Rule Breakers 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (70).
Rule Breakers Echo Score Breakdown
Rule Breakers offers an uplifting account of women overcoming social constraints, anchored by a resonant thematic core. The narrative draws on real events to deliver a moving portrayal of perseverance, supported by commendable performances and a dynamic musical score. While its message-driven approach occasionally lapses into formulaic plotting and broad platitudes, the film maintains engagement through its heartfelt tone and spirited pacing. Overall, it stands as a satisfying yet conventional drama that underscores the value of determination and equal opportunities.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of Art & Craft, the film delivers functional visual presentation with occasional inventive framing. Cinematography offers clear compositions and moments of clever shot design, while production design and editing remain serviceable yet unobtrusive. Direction tends toward straightforward staging without distinctive flair. Altogether, the visual craft supports the story competently but rarely surprises.
- Character & Emotion 75
In terms of character and emotion, the film benefits from committed performances that elicit genuine empathy. The cast delivers earnest portrayals and solid chemistry, particularly among the team members. However, character development remains uneven, with limited backstory and occasional reliance on broad archetypes. Overall, the emotional impact is sincere but constrained by a lack of deeper nuance.
- Story & Flow 70
When it comes to story and flow, the narrative delivers an inspiring underdog arc rooted in real events. Pacing is measured, building momentum through key challenges, yet the structure adheres closely to genre conventions. Plot progression sometimes feels predictable and the thematic emphasis borders on heavy-handed. Overall, the story is engaging but familiar in its execution.
- Sensory Experience 80
In terms of sensory experience, the film is elevated by an energetic musical score that underscores its emotional peaks. Sound design remains clear, supporting dialogue and ambient environment without intrusion. Visual style maintains consistency with an understated color palette and practical effects. Altogether, the audio-visual elements create a cohesive backdrop that complements the narrative.
- Rewatch Factor 75
In terms of rewatch potential, the film’s inspirational themes and factual basis encourage repeat viewings for audiences seeking motivational content. Its earnest tone and straightforward storytelling provide reliable emotional uplift, though predictable plot beats may lessen novelty on subsequent watches. Ultimately, the lasting appeal hinges on its subject matter more than surprise elements.
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IMDb 6.6 /10
1289 votes
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 80% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 96%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 55 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 76% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.2 /5
1921 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Rule Breakers Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Rule Breakers from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Rule Breakers is an inspiring and empowering documentary that chronicles the journey of a group of young Afghan women as they courageously defy societal norms, navigate personal and political obstacles, and chase their dreams in the innovative realm of robotics. Set against the intricate social and political backdrop of Afghanistan, this film highlights the tenacity and determination of these girls as they unite to compete in an international robotics competition—determined to succeed against all odds.
Full summary
The whole story of Rule Breakers, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Rule Breakers Box Office & Budget
Rule Breakers grossed $3 million worldwide on a $8 million budget, 37% of what it cost. $3 million came from the US and Canada and $28,084 (1%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$3M
37% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $3M
- International
- $28.1K
- Budget
- $8M
Rule Breakers Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 clip.
- Clip Is EVERYONE Okay?
How Well Do You Know Rule Breakers?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the visionary leader of the team in 'Rule Breakers'?
Rule Breakers Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “Rompiendo Reglas” and “룰 브레이커스”.
- Also known as
-
- Rompiendo Reglas
- 룰 브레이커스
- Нарушители правил
- Quebrando Regras
- قانون شکنان
- 規則破壞者
- 逾矩之人
Seen Rule Breakers?
Movies Like Rule Breakers
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Garden of Women, The Girl and The Courageous.
Rule Breakers FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Rule Breakers, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Rule Breakers?
Rule Breakers runs 2 hours (120 minutes).
When was Rule Breakers released?
Rule Breakers was released on March 7, 2025.
Who directed Rule Breakers?
Rule Breakers was directed by Bill Guttentag.
More films by Bill Guttentag Who is in the cast of Rule Breakers?
Rule Breakers stars Nikohl Boosheri as Roya Mahboob, Noorin Gulamgaus as Ali Mahboob and Amber Afzali as Esin, among 20 credited actors.
How much did Rule Breakers make at the box office?
Rule Breakers grossed $3 million worldwide ($3 million domestic, $28,084 international) on a budget of $8 million.
How is Rule Breakers rated?
Rule Breakers has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 76% on TMDB.
Does Rule Breakers have a post-credit scene?
No. Rule Breakers has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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