The Kite Runner Reviews

• The Kites of the Novel are Uplifted by the Wind but Fail to Soar in the Film

  
  By A328S9RN3U5M68 on 2008-03-26
  Khaled Hosseini's THE KITE RUNNER was one of those first novels that captured both public interest and the hearts of the many who read this story of childhood unconditional love and redemption set against three stormy decades in Afghanistan. Though Hosseini was approached about the story's adaptation to the screen soon after the novel was published, there seems to have been a rush to get the visual form of the poetic novel before the audience, a journey besieged by unsuspected political intervention and criticism by the Afghan government. But after seeing the film, this intrigue heightens the intent of those involved in translating the book to film - writer David Benioff and director Marc Forster.
  
  People may argue both sides of whether or not the dialog be in Afghan languages (Dari, Pashtu,Urdu) with English subtitles or be in English throughout: the choice of using both languages is severely hampered by the decision to place the Afghan translations in an overlay on the screen while the English subtitles are place off the viewing field. A small point, perhaps, but one that makes the first viewing of the film difficult to follow visually. As far as the actors are concerned, the two young lads who were chosen to portray Amir (Zekeria Ebrahimi) and Hassan (Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada) are perfect: closest of friends living in a household where one (Amir) is the son of the master of the house and the other (Hassan) is the son of the grounds and house keeper - a factor that serves to underline class differences that will later become increasingly poignant. The boys are inseparable, reading stories together and flying kites in competitions - each lad specializing in one of those pastimes. But disaster crumbles the boys' victory in the kite flying contest when Hassan is beaten and raped by the town bullies while Amir cowardly runs for safety, deserting his friend. Suddenly the Russians invade and that change factors into the need for Amir and his father to move to America where Amir is educated and becomes a writer. Twenty years pass. After the fall of Afghanistan to the Russians and subsequently to the Taliban, Amir (now actor Khalid Abdalla) receives a telephone plea from Hassan's father to return to Kabul. Amir, now married and a successful writer, feels the need to return to amend for his past omission as well as to assuage Amir's fears. When he arrives in Kabul he encounters a war torn country he no longer recognizes, discovers past secrets as to his and Hassan's true identities, and sets out on a journey to bring closure to a childhood love and promise. It is a touching tale of redemption and the strongest echo of the magic of the novel.
  
  THE KITE RUNNER as both novel and film will appeal to all audiences sensitive to scars that wars leave on children and adults alike. For this viewer the film lacks the intensity of the book in that the time spent with the childhood of the two boys feels secondary to the personal journey of the adult Amir. But that is not to say the film is less powerful in the end: the story is one that leaves an imprint on the audience that last long past the ending credits. Grady Harp, March 08
  
  

• Courage in the face of adversity and a second chance at redemption. Great film!

  
  By A17FLA8HQOFVIG on 2007-12-28
  I read this book a few years ago and loved it. And, frankly, I was worried that the filmmakers might ruin the movie. That silly worry of mine sure was wrong though. I know it doesn't seem possible, but the movie was even better than the book. I think that it was because the act of reading allowed me to put the book down and pick it up at a later time. The movie, however, is right there, in your face, and doesn't give the viewer any reprieve from the compelling plot or the constant tension. I knew the story of course, and during one of the crucial scenes I found myself crying real tears even before one particular awful scene happened. And then I watched it in horror in full living color, knowing what would happen next and understanding that there were no easy answers.
  
  This is the story of a friendship between two boys in Afghanistan. It starts in the 1970's before the Communists and before the Taliban. Life was complex enough then even without the awful politics which came later. Amir was the only son of a wealthy businessman and rather shy. Hassan was the son of a servant and of a lower class social group. Amir and Hassan shared a deep friendship despite the social differences between them and were a team in one of the big events in their town - a kite flying contest. At the very moment of victory though, there is a tragic act of aggression against Hassan which changes the relationship between the two boys forever. Each of the boys suffers in his own way. For Amir, it affects his life forever. All of this is set against an historical background of Afghanistan when it was secular and modern, especially for the upper classes. Women were free to go around unveiled. Books of all kind were available, although, shamefully, boys like Hassan were not taught to read.
  
  Then the world turned topsy turvy. Amir and his father had to flee for their lives and wound up in California. Amir marries, becomes a writer. And then, now, twenty years later, he receives a call from his father's friend who has fled to Pakistan. "You must come back" is the message. This is the time of the Taliban. Life is horrible in Afghanistan. But Amir, now a man, is given the opportunity to do an heroic act. How this all plays out is scary and uplifting and real. I was sitting at the edge of my seat in the movie theater even though I knew how it would all turn out.
  
  I loved this film. The casting was excellent. Filmed in California and China, all of the actors seemed to be Afghanistani and the dialog was in Dari, Pashtu, Urdu and Russian as well as English. I particularly liked the performance of Homayoun Ershadi who played the father with wisdom and strength even when his fortune was reversed and he worked at a convenience store in California and sold merchandise at a flea market on weekends. There is a sense of authenticity throughout. Mostly, though, it was the theme that drove the film, a universal theme of sin and redemption and how a person can have a second chance to go from cowardice to courage.
  
  I live in New York City and the film opened in one of the art theaters. This might mean that it may never go mainstream. If this is true, it is a shame. The film was a winner all the way. Yes, it is disturbing and might just haunt your dreams. Clearly, it is for adults only too. In spite of all the horror though, it ends with an inspiring and uplifting note. Don't miss this very important film. I give it my very highest recommendation.
  
  
  

• The Loss of Innocence

  
  By A3EE0H0NWQ9QVL on 2008-01-18
  (4.5) `The Kite Runner' is every bit as moving as `The Children of Heaven'. Synthesizing the developments of two boyhood friends with the modern history of Afghanistan, the movie integrates its subject matter supplely and with great finesse.
  
  At the start we have Amir (Khalid Abdalla), a successful author and Afghan émigré living in San Francisco. His new book 'A Season for Ashes' has been published and several copies have been delivered to his place. In one short scene he is at a park where kites are flying near the Bay.
  
  Soon we're transported to his past. It is 1978 in Kabul, Afghanistan, and his father (Homayoun Ershadi) is a wealthy man. Living with them is his housekeeper, Ali, and his son Hassad (Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada), who is Amir's (Zekeria Ebrahimi) best childhood friend. They both share a liking for the cinema where Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson have become their favorite celluloid heroes. As an example of the movie's gentle heart, Hassad is surprised to learn that Charles Bronson isn't really Afghan, a fact that throws him given the lines are overdubbed in their native language. They also love to read stories from a book together.
  
  But their real passion is flying kites. A tournament is held every year in their neighborhood. And practice employs the strategy of maneuvering around an opponent's kite until the string is broken, and one's kite is the sole survivor in the frosty Afghan sky. With festive enthusiasm the movie captures all the energy of their favorite childhood ritual, especially from the arial shots.
  
  Ominously, Kabul is a short time away from the Soviet invasion, one that builds up within the university and gets much conversation from the adults. As we grow closer to these life-shattering events, their friendship becomes amiss, too. Amir and Hassad are bullied on the street by older boys, and to ward them off, they each get a sling-shot to fend off the attacks. One day Hassan must endure hardship when he's caught off guard on the street after retrieving a kite. Amir, who witnesses the debacle, doesn't help out his friend, but later tests his endurance until he loses all respect for his friend's perseverance. Hassad perhaps lives up to turning the other cheek better than most boys of any background, but Amir must grapple with his own guilt. Just before the Soviets invade Afghanistan, Amir does something unsettling to Hassad. Then Amir and father flee to America, and Amir is separated from his lifelong friend.
  
  The rest of the movie shows how Amir tries to catch up with his past. Learning secrets along the way, he must sort through the rubble of his native country that has had indelible effects from both the Soviet upheaval and the Taliban's rigid regime. Noting that Kabul used to smell of "lamb kabob" and now reeks of "diesel fuel," Amir returns as an adult to find nothing is the same. Ending in 2000 in America, the film only has to imply recent history as it comes to within a year of 2001 and the overthrow of the Taliban.
  
  `The Kite Runner' is an absorbing ride through a didactic history blended well with a solid, lovable personal story. Much like French movie 'Cache' and the more recent 'Atonement' the protagonist has to make amends for his past in the ruins of a childhood that has been fractured by personal and historical events.
  
  

• "The Kite Runner" Soars

  
  By A3TZB9SXJCFMFJ on 2007-09-30
  Quite simply, "The Kite Runner" is magnificent. Based on the acclaimed bestselling novel by Khaled Hosseini, the film is epic in scope, spanning a number of decades, continents, and cultures, and yet it remains intimate and personal in terms of its characters and their stories. It is spectacularly photographed, sensitively directed, hauntingly scored, and impeccably acted by a brilliant cast whose performances are meticulously nuanced. Even the opening credit sequence is fascinating, foreshadowing through calligraphy the differences in Western and Middle Eastern culture that will be a subtheme of the movie.
  
  The story opens in 21st century San Francisco, where a young man from Afghanistan (the charismatic Khalid Abdalla as Amir) has just published his first novel. In flashbacks, he recalls his childhood in Afghanistan, and particularly his relationship with his best friend Hassan, the child of his father's oldest friend and live-in servant. The two boys (played by Zekeria Ebrahemi and Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada, both of whom turn in performances of amazing depth) are eventually driven apart by an act of childish cowardice by the young Amir. They lose contact all together after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, at which time Amir and his father (Homayon Ashadi in a wonderfully understated performance) flee to Pakistan and then eventually to America. Years pass, and then, finally, the adult Amir is provided with an opportunity to redeem himself. The decision that he makes, and the consequences that unfold, bring the story full circle to its powerful conclusion.
  
  I was fortunate enough to see this film as part of a single screening that played to a sold-out audience (dozens and dozens of disappointed cinemagoers ended up being turned away after demand exceeded supply), and expectations were almost impossibly high. Happily, Marc Forster (who also directed "Finding Neverland", "Monster's Ball", and is currently set to direct the 22nd James Bond film) and company satisfied even the most demanding members of the audience, as ripples of gentle laughter gave way to surpised gasps and finally to unsentimental tears as the story unfolded. Here is a film destined to win over audiences and critics alike, one that will undoubtedly end up being one of the year's short list of bona fide masterpieces.
  
  

• A story so touching and redemptive.Beautiful adaptation of the novel!

  
  By ATXL536YX71TR on 2008-02-17
  I loved the book and actually loved the movie even more!
  Rarely would I say such a thing, but Marc Forster's "The Kite Runner" so brought alive the deeply personal book by the same name, that all that was personal thought within the book was aptly expressed and brought to reality on the screen. A story about the the deep bond of two Afghani boys,from two classes,the upheaval of the Afghan political system,the eventual disintegration of the land, and the eventual redemption found by the one boy,Amir, is so outstanding that I say "fie" on the Academy of Arts and Sciences for dismissing this film.That is my opinion and I am sticking to it!
  This film has all of the earmarkings of outstanding film making: outstanding cinematography,an excellent screen adaptation that is riveting,a really engrossing soundtrack,uniformly outstanding performances,well edited,and a redemptive story that few films had this past year.This is a film with a heart that is so big,Afghanistan or the Academy could not contain it "a thousand times over", to quote the boys in this film.Well it wouldn't be the first time that the Academy would make a miscue,and I am sure it will not be the last!
  I got the DVD as an early release through a film organization as a gift, and I am so glad that I can now savour the film at home.
  ** POSSIBLE SPOILER***The subjects of male abduction (Also rape),slavery,caste systems and adulterous women being stoned to death are addressed in this film.The Bible addresses the same subjects,so I can see no reason that this film not be seen.The well publicised child rape scene,is very discreetly handled.This is not a spoiler.Anyone who followed the well publicised making of this film knows that the rape of the Hazara boy,Hassan, which is absolutely germane to the story,was so in the press, that the boys actors had to be put under protection from Muslim radicals;so don't get on your "high horse", as I am not disclosing anything that countless newspapers AND THE TRAILER did not.
  
  Do not miss a superb opportunity to see a story that will educate and touch the heart at the same time.These films are as rare as peace in the Middle East!
  
  
• "There is a Way to be Good Again"
  By A2I6MHMAZZDCRX on 2008-03-28
  Amir (Zekeria Ebrahimi) and Hassan (Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada) are two boys growing up in 1970's Afghanistan. Even though Hassan is the son of Amir's family servant, the two are close friends. They even make a great team in the annual kite tournament, and Hassan has shown a remarkable talent for chasing the fallen kites.
  
  Tragedy strikes the boys during the winter of 1978, however, when Amir witnesses the neighborhood bullies performing an unspeakable act on Hassan. Racked with guilt, Amir withdraws from Hassan.
  
  When the Soviets invade Afghanistan, Amir and his Baba (Homayoun Ershadi) move to San Francisco. As an adult, Amir (now played by Khalid Abdalla) has managed to put his past behind him. Until a phone call brings it all back. What will he do now?
  
  When I finally read the novel this movie is based on, I found it rather slow and predictable. I thought I might enjoy the movie better since it would have to streamline the plot. In the end, I was glad I read the book first since the movie glosses over several events that really set things up early on. There was enough there to make the movie work, but the complex themes of relationships, regret, forgiveness, prejudice, and revenge don't come across as strongly as they could. One key plot point near the end is completely absent. While it would have added extra time to an already two hour movie, it makes the last 10 or 15 minutes needlessly confusing.
  
  That's not to say I wasn't impacted emotionally. The further into the movie I got, the more I cared about the outcome. I even found myself fighting back tears a couple times.
  
  The movie is almost all in Farsi with English sub-titles. Even when the setting moves to San Francisco, at least half of the scenes are sub-titled. Once or twice, the lines moved so quickly I couldn't keep up, but it didn't bother me otherwise.
  
  The cast of relative unknowns is wonderful. Personally, I find the boys fine but wooden, like they were reciting lines with little emotion behind them. But that could easily be because I was too busy trying to read the sub-titles to watch them too closely.
  
  The kite flying scenes are magical. While obviously computer generated, they are more elaborate then I expected and brought a smile to my face.
  
  The movie handles the tough scenes with grace. The events are hinted at but never shown in graphic detail. Even so, know going in that this is an emotional drama and not just some light entertainment.
  
  If it weren't for that missing plot point at the end, I would have enjoyed this movie more then I did. In the end, the movie turns out to be an average adaptation of an average book.
  
  
• Brotherhood, Betrayal and Blandness - Spoiler Notice Added as per reader response
  By A1JV4QKTEB7QBL on 2007-12-25
  While Marc Forster's adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" faithfully and enjoyably follows the book's storyline, it does so without the benefit of many of the novel's acclaimed multi-layered and nuanced techniques. Alas, it is always difficult to translate a work of literature to that of film yet happily, the story of the two children takes off at the start with the refreshing lift of one of the fighting kites shown to perfection in the kite flying sequences. Unfortunately, that sense of reaching for the sky comes to a screeching halt once the boys split and the film's momentum slows while relaying the immigrant experience in America. Even the climatic ending bores somewhat; what works in a book seems contrived in a film that filters days of reading into 120 minutes on celluloid.
  
  Nevertheless, the potential for the film to speak volumes over a cultural abyss certainly is palpable even while viewing just the trailer. Despite the obvious charms of the two children, the strong performance by Homayoun Ershadi as the intellectual communist and mullah-hating Baba, the digitally enhanced ballet of the fighting kites, and the sometimes soaring panoramic view of the white capped mountains rising above the frenetic energy of pre-Communist Kabul, "The Kite Runner" fails on some level of detail that is difficult to pinpoint, yet strangely obvious due to its absence. Even with the spectacular alliance of lovely sets, wonderfully unknown actors and a tale of delayed coming of age, the overall depiction achieves a slightly unpolished ambiance that suggests, ever so sadly more Lifetime Movie Channel tension than Academy Award nuance.
  
  As the adult Amir, actor Khalid Abdalla misses the mark somewhat---he doesn't convey the demonstrative depth indigenous to a man tortured by a childhood hallmarked by countless acts of cowardice. The film's Amir seems hesitant as well he should, overwhelmed as a child by the outspoken nobility of his father, Baba---a definitive hard act to follow as exemplified by a passion ignited scene where Baba almost stupidly yet heroically defies a Russian soldier while defending the honor of a lower caste Afghan wife.
  
  Child actor, Zekiria Ebrahimi, with his dark chocolate eyes fluctuating between conflicting emotional states of camaraderie, jealousy, guilt and learned superiority, elicits well-deserved pity and disappointment from the audience. We cringe at his uncertainty, understanding his sense of failure in the knowledge that his father recognizes and approves of the stubborn manliness of his Hazara servant, Hassan, played to perfection by the adorably stoic Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada more so than he does the sensitive yet underhanded nature of his own son. Amir's lies shift beautifully within the dark liquidity of his eyes like the kites that duel against the backdrop of the Hindukush system of mountains and we are mesmerized by the deep sadness that lies within their depths. The film's childhood segment succeeds in seducing us with its colorful charm and its wealth of story background.
  
  However, once Amir transitions from Kabul to California and childhood to manhood, he and the film loose ground. The deep-rooted inferiority blatantly exhibited by the child just doesn't appear inherent to the adult actor's emotional repertoire. Amir's mature uncertainty seems to stem from a nebulous source: perhaps if it formulated from angst derived from his desire to be a writer, his immigrant adaptation to an American environment or more simply his change of social station, we would nod our heads in mutual understanding.
  
  Whatever the case, once the story leaves the quaint environs of Kabul, the film seems to flounder; the unfolding of the crisis highlighted by the chemistry between the two boys dwindles even when Amir returns to his homeland to find the son of his one time friend. Only the strong insistent thread provided by Homayoun Ershadi (Baba) weaves through this portion of the film reminding us of the ideal Afghanistan and the real intent of the film.
  
  And like Afghanistan, we cannot forget the character Hassan--who acts as a metaphor of sorts for the persistent nature of a country that even after invasion remains distinctly steadfast and loyal in its view of the role it plays. Even in death Hassan rises again like the phoenix, his spirit embodied by his son--he epitomizes his homeland tired of communist invaders, Taliban fanatics and caste discrimination. This relationship between Hassan and his country although played with isn't explored. The similarities between Hassan and Baba should be underlined to keep the idealistic Afghanistan alive during the immigrant portion of the film.
  
  Bottom line: "The Kite Runner" has much in its favor, however, its segments and performances offer an uneven depiction of a young Afghan's struggle to assuage a major event defining a troubled childhood. Visually pleasing and culturally fascinating, this trial by fire develops into an improbable tale of coincidence and loose threads that eventually tie up into a pleasing little bundle of bittersweet reckoning. Performances of note include Homayoun Ershadi and Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada. Recommended with caution -beware the rather sensitive treatment of child rape and sexual slavery- which no matter how delicately treated still disturbed this reviewer, as well it should.
  Diana Faillace Von Behren
  "reneofc"
  
  
  
• No country for young men
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2008-04-15
  Whether you've read the best-selling first novel by Khaled Hosseini or not, this is a haunting movie that will drain your emotions, moisten your eyes and bring out your goose bumps. Mostly faithful to the book, the film tries its best to capture the gut wrenching emotional drama of the story and its unforgettable characters, and it succeeds in doing so to a large extent.
  
  SLASS (Slightly Longer Attention Span Summary)
  
  1. Amir is a boy who lives in Kabul (prior to the Soviet invasion) with his wealthy widowed father. He has a vivid imagination, and is working on writing a story
  2. He is an introverted child who is bullied by other boys, and never defends himself. He wants desperately to be accepted by his father, who sees him as a weakling. In simple language, Amir is a wuss.
  3. His loyal companion and friend is a servant boy named Hassan
  4. Hassan wields a mean slingshot and isn't afraid to use it. He is devoted to Amir. Not having had the opportunity to go to school, he can't read or write, but makes up for it with his courage and commitment.
  5. Both boys are good at the sport of kite fighting. Hassan is especially good at retrieving kites that have been cut away during the competition, having a sixth sense where they are going to land.
  6. An incident occurs where Amir wusses out yet again. This changes the boys' relationship forever.
  7. When the Soviets come calling, Amir and his father have to leave rather quickly, eventually ending up in California. A family friend named Rahim Khan keeps an eye on the house.
  8. Amir grows up and lives his life (partly shown)
  9. Hassan grows up and lives his life (not shown)
  10. Rahim Khan calls from Pakistan, giving Amir a chance to prove whether he does, in fact, have a backbone.
  11. Amir digs deep
  12. His return to kite flying brings new hope
  
  For the parts of the movie where the actors speak Dari Persian, there are subtitles in English. Otherwise, it's in English, and I didn't find this to be a problem. It would have been impossible for the film to bring out some of the trauma and inner turmoil that make the novel so memorable, and some of the more brutal and tragic scenes have been trimmed, so for the full experience you really need to read the book, if you haven't already.
  
  With excellent acting by the two young men playing Amir and Hassan, this is a movie you won't forget in a hurry. Highly recommended - but walk with your hankie or a pack of tissues.
  
  
  
  Amanda Richards, April 15, 2008
  
  
  
• For You a Thousand Times Over
  By A3F9VH8916IA40 on 2008-03-27
  Khaled Hosseini's novel The Kite Runner is one of the most moving books of the modern era, a story that has touched the lives of countless millions across the world. Published in over 30 countries, The Kite Runner is at the same time one of the most touching and heartbreaking stories ever written and an educational read which will open your eyes to the history and culture of a country few can even find on a map. It is, needless to say, a fascinating read which opens the reader's eyes to the beauty and devastation which is Afghanistan.
  
  When I heard that there was a film adaptation coming out based on this magnificent novel I had my doubts on whether or not it could actually be done. The book isn't heavy on action or suspense; instead most of the depth and the meat of the story is told though exposition, in the mind of the main character and would be extremely difficult, if not down right impossible, to film. The strength of the story lay in its rich three-dimensional characters which are very hard to transfer from the pages of a book to the big screen.
  
  For what it is the movie adaptation of The Kite Runner really isn't that bad a film. I'm not sure how someone who has never read the book would react to this film because quite frankly I am in love with Hosseini's writing. The film may actually be quite entertaining for one who isn't familiar with the book, and if that is the case by all means to not allow this review to damper your desire to pick up a copy of this movie, but for someone who has invested time and energy (both very well spent) on reading the book and getting to know the characters the film adaptation will seen bland, unemotional, and lacking the depth and heart which made the book such an epic masterpiece. Although for the most part the dialogue stays true to the book, it cuts parts out which should have stayed in. for instance when Baba is confronting the Russian soldier in the book he cries out "war doesn't negate decency" but that is only half of what he said, the whole quote goes, "war doesn't negate decency, it demands it." It's a very subtle difference but it does change the meaning of the scene.
  
  There is also a lot left out of the film which, in my opinion, should have made their way in one way or another. If you haven't read the book you have no idea that Assefs mother is from Germany and that his hero is Adolph Hitler, even his famous brass knuckles which are such terrifying symbol in the book are left out completely. Hassan's cleft lip is gone, Ali's crippled right leg left on the cutting room floor. The film moves so fast though the flashbacks in the beginning, where the emotional impact is felt the most in the novel, that all depth is sucked right out of it. The characters aren't fully developed, their motivations left unexplored and unexplained.
  
  The film simply goes too fast to be able to explore the depth of the characters in a way they deserved. Too many details about the characters are left out, too many important events skimmed over, too little detail poured into explaining everyone's motivations. The friction between the different ethnic groups, the Pashtuns and the Hazara's, so vital to the message of the book, is used as nothing more then a plot device and no attempt is made to educate the public on just what these groups are. Honestly how many people know what the difference is? And yet without knowing the history of these groups and their backgrounds the story looses a lot of its driving force.
  
  Not to say this film doesn't have its high points. No matter how much time and effort a writer pours into his or her story they can never match the detail that a simple picture can bring. Seeing Afghanistan in ruins, the burnt out tanks, the men hanging from trees as warnings, the berka clad women being stoned to death in the most brutal of ways, brought a new light to Hosseini's novel, and for that I thank this film. Being able to see the nation of Afghanistan outside of news footage of the war and one bad Rambo movie brought new light to that nation's peril. But the most fascination aspect of this movie are, of all things, the kits from which the novel and film get their names. the scenes with the boys and later with Amir as an adult flying kites were moving, spectacular, and haunting all at the same time. Who knew seeing a kite flying majestically in the sky could be so moving?
  
  If you haven't read the book, you may like, nay maybe even love this film, but for those of you who have, like me, this movie will feel watered down, rushed, and lacking the same depth and emotion as the brilliant novel. Its still a good movie, don't get me wrong, but there is simply too much left out. I've always thought The Kite Runner was an un-filmable book, it simply is too deep to recreate in a satisfactory way on the big screen. If you haven't read the book, go for it, if you have then get ready for a disappointment.
  
  Replay value; moderate.
  
  
• Not recommended
  By A3P7WNM0UHV4YQ on 2008-02-21
  If you want to witness the pains of fanaticism watch this movie, but then again, there are much more beautiful things in life and we're constantly bombarded with pains of stupidity through our media and news anyway.
  
  I never had the patience to get far through the book despite all the hype surrounding it and I would not recommend the movie. I appreciate the story having been told, but there are too many tales of pain in the world already, I don't need to pay to hear more of it.
  
  
  
• Superb!!!
  By A2GVTRGZNGWH7T on 2007-12-14
  Everything about this movie is great. I am sure it will win many prices in every festival.
  I hoped these kinds of movies would hit box office instead of many mindless movies. I found only 3 movie theaters in the entire state of MA that played this touching movie. WHAT A PITY!
  The theme music was just amazing. It was a great idea to have the movie in dari/pashtoo with subtitles. This made the movie very realistic and original!
  All the movie casts were chosen as if they were tailored for their role.... no word would explain the greatness of this artwork but to go and watch it and let your heart judge...
  
  
• Sturdy adaptation of soaring novel. 4.5 stars
  By A2R1HAXRNU0QX7 on 2007-12-30
  THE KITE RUNNER is a tear-jerker. Simple as that. So be ready to get at least a little choked up about 4 times. It adheres pretty faithfully to the book, also a major tearjerker. I've read some criticisms of the film stating that it is too manipulative, and laying blame at the feet of director Marc Forster. Well, I'm here to tell you that Mr. Forster worked hard to bring the spirit of the book to life, and that spirit included a lot of blatantly manipulative, but nonetheless very effective, tugging of heartstrings.
  
  The story pretty much starts in 1978, in Kabul, Afghanistan. One boy, probably about 10, is Amir, the son of a wealthy and ever so slightly scandalous businessman. His best friend is the son of the family servant, Hassan. The two boys are pretty much inseparable, and it is clear that Hassan is willing to risk anything for his friend Amir. A friend he also considers his "better," but in a non-resentful manner. He understands that his station is lower, and yet he still admires Amir. The two have a tight relationship, but Amir is vulnerable to the teasing of local teens, who chastise him for befriending a lowly person such as Hassan. Amir, we find out fairly soon, is coward...and thus Hassan is left to stick up for him a great deal.
  
  One fateful day, the two boys win the local Kite fighting contest. Apparently, kite flying is pretty important in their culture, and we get to see some sweeping scenes of kites soaring. The object of the game is to use your kite and its string to sever the string of other kites. Last kite flying wins. The "kite runners" are those who chase down the lost kites...which they can keep. Hassan is Amir's kite runner, and when his friend/master wins the competition, Hassan takes off through the streets to recover the final trophy. Amir is exalted, because he has won the unconditional approval of his hard-to-please father. But when Hassan does not return in a timely manner, Amir goes looking for him, only to witness a horrific act being committed on his friend. Not only does he not intervene, but he becomes so wracked with guilt that he commits his own terrible act of betrayal.
  
  An act he can never correct, because shortly thereafter, the Soviets invade, and Amir and his father flee from the country (depicted in a few brief, but effective scenes).
  
  We skip years ahead, to see the two have moved to Southern California. The father, Baba, once wealthy and respected, works in a convenience store...but he's content to see his son graduate from community college and they both make a good place for themselves in the Afghan community.
  
  We spend quite a while in the states, seeing Amir grow into a man...but eventually, his guilt past comes calling.
  
  I won't say anymore, because if you haven't read the story, you really need to discover all the turns of the plot for yourself.
  
  The movie is lovely to look at. It is well filmed, and the kite scenes are thrilling. It is well acted, particularly by the young Amir and Hassan, as well as the actor who plays the father. It is faithful to the book, which depending on how you felt about the book, could be a good thing or a bad thing (for me, it is a good thing, I really liked the book). The film will almost certainly move you. The audience I saw it with was mostly older adults, and they applauded at the end...a rarity for that crowd.
  
  However, the character of Amir is so dreadfully unlikable that even as he struggles to redeem himself, I just wanted to smack him. His acts of cowardice are so damaging and so frequently repeated...I just had a hard time accepting his plight. He's not an anti-hero...he's just a somewhat unsympathetic character. He's surrounded by great characters, and thus the story is still enchanting and moving...but Amir is a void. If we had seen more complexity in his character...rather than just guilt and cowardice...we might warm up to the film even more.
  
  Also, the book had the time and space to help us understand the Afghan culture and political situation more. It served as an excellent reminder of just how horrific the Taliban was/is. (Although author Khaled Hosseini's latest book, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS does this even better.) This is mostly missing from the movie. I'm not suggesting that the film needs it...because you would then have the danger of going too long and becoming "preachy." But there is no doubt that this added texture makes the book superior to the film.
  
  I still highly recommend the film. It is an unusual and touching story, well told by director Forster and his sturdy cast. The movie is rated PG-13, which is appropriate, and that's probably about the youngest you would ever want to take a child.
  
  
• Bland Adaptation
  By A2JDVQ812P8PUL on 2008-03-26
  Khaled Hosseini told a memorable story about two boys living in a country little known but often talked about today. Unfortunately the movie is like a paint by numbers adaptation rushing from one major plot point to the next. I understand how difficult it is to adapt a novel into film but it is possible to make a good one. This one felt rushed and retained none of the intimate details that made this story so memorable and touching. If it took another hour to tell it so be it. This celebrated and popular novel simply deserved better.
  
  
• Kudos to the Filmmakers
  By A1RKD1I8MW1LG6 on 2008-03-26
  I was not sure if I wanted to watch this movie as I had such wonderful memories of the book, but I got it yesterday, watched it today ----- and it was wonderfully done.
  
  The acting was marvelous, especially the actor who played the grown Amir. The setting was amazingly exactly as I had imagined Kabul - except that it was filmed in a city in Western China.
  
  The child actors, found at random in schools in Afghanistan, were fantastic.
  
  I cried a lot through this movie, but perhaps knowing what to expect made me less apprehensive.
  
  I also loved watching the extras on the DVD, especially the part about the making of the movie. This was a real international effort, for sure.
  
  WELL DONE!!!
  
  
• Zzzzzzzz
  By A2NOLI10R74GTE on 2008-03-30
  I hate having to read a movie!!!!! I had no idea this movie was subtitled. After about 30 plus minutes of reading, I got so bored, I gave up. If I wanted to read, I would read the book. The kite flying was quite dull as well.
  
  Glad I only rented it.
  
  
• "It's A Dangerous Thing Being Born" ~ Honor, Friendship And Brotherhood
  By A141HP4LYPWMSR on 2008-04-07
  Note: Presented in English Dari, Pashtu, Urdu and Russian.
  
  Synopsis: Amir and Hassan are two young boys and best friends growing up in Afghanistan prior to the coming of the Taliban. When one boy, Amir and his Father leave for America all contact with Hassan is lost until many years later when both have grown and married. Amir is beckoned to return to his Homeland on a very specific and dangerous mission. It's something he must do not only for the sake of his childhood friendship, but his only chance to forgive himself for a wrong committed against Hassan before his departure. If Amir succeeds he will finally be free of the pain and guilt he has carried with him ever since.
  
  The '07 film `Kite Runner' is a touching but somewhat uneven tale that spends too much time developing the storyline in the first part of the film and then rushing through the second half. Amir's life threatening mission in Afghanistan is accomplished much too quickly and easily creating an unrealistic atmosphere to the story and short-circuiting any build-up of drama or tension. Be that as it may, the filmmaker and authors desired message is successfully delivered to the viewer and one is left with a better appreciation of Afghanistan and its people.
  
  What really made the film for me was the role of Amir's Father played by Homayoun Ershadi. His strength, courage and adhence to a strict code of ethics is superbly portrayed. Sometimes we need to be reminded that such honorable people exist in cultures that have all to frequently become synonymous with distrust, hatred and terrorism in the American mindset.
  
  
  
• WARNING! BOY ON BOY RAPE!
  By A1O1KWC73TPQY8 on 2008-06-14
  In this movie, child actors act out boy on boy rape. In my opinion, you should not rent or buy this movie, even if the book is on your child's school reading list. Granted, the scene doesn't go far, but it goes far enough to let you know what has happened. Now, THE REAL LIFE BOY ACTOR FEARS BEING ATTACKED because the movie offends Afghan dignity. (Source= http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=3639956) This kid has been used. Compared to that kid, I am lucky. I am only out a few bucks for a movie that I will never finish watching. This movie should be rated R. Then I would not have allowed my children to rent it. If you write a review about this movie, please mention the boy on boy rape so that others can make an informed decision.
  
  
• Magnificent movie about friendship, betrayal and finding oneself
  By A2VG01LFPSVUCA on 2008-01-01
  The Kite Runner is a story about friendship, loyalty, betrayal and redemption. It is also about the tragedy that is Afghanistan and the plight of its people. For those who have yet to experience first hand the squalor and stench of a third world country, it is hard to imagine what it takes to survive, let alone face the day-to-day indignities of having to ask somebody for food, money, hope. Adding to the misery are the cruel, inhuman ways of the Taliban as they roam the streets of Kabul murdering anyone who catches their fancy.
  
  Against this backdrop, director Marc Forster weaves the story of Amir (Khalid Abdallah), an Afghan immigrant and his struggle to discover himself and atone for an act of cowardice that altered the lives of the people he cares for and loves.
  
  The movie opens in modern-day San Francisco. Amir's dream of becoming a famous writer becomes a reality as he celebrates the publication of his first novel. Even though he has achieved the American dream, there remains an emptiness in him. His father, a once powerful and influential figure in Afghanistan, is no more. There is only his wife, the beautiful Soraya (Atossa Leoni) and her parents. In flashbacks, he recalls the happy days of childhood he had in Afghanistan and how he spent these wonderful moments with his best friend, Hassan, the son of his father's oldest friend and live-in servant, Ali. He also recalls the Russian invasion and the coming of the Taliban and how they fled to Pakistan in order to get to America.
  
  When he receives the news that his father's oldest friend and confidant wants to see him, he travels to Pakistan. What he discovers there will rock the very core of his existence. But it is what he decides to do after that that will help him re-discover himself and finally find the peace of mind that has always eluded him.
  
  Based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner is a film that lets your heart soar and reminds you that there is still goodness in humanity, and that hope and redemption are available to those who are willing to make sacrifices.
  
  It is beautifully filmed, with a haunting musical score from the talented Alberto Iglesias and a stellar performance from the cast. The young boys, Amir and Hassan, played by Zekeria Ebrahimi and Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada, are a revelation. They are simply perfect for their roles. Homayoun Ershadi, who plays Amir's father, Baba, gives an understated yet effective supporting performance. Also noteworthy are the songs of British singer, Sami Yusuf, which add to the authenticity and regional flavour of the film.
  
  It is not by all means a perfect movie. There are some moments when it seems unbelievable, and there is a deliberate intention to tug all the emotional strings.
  
  This year, there are a number of outstanding book-to-film adaptations, and while Atonement and There Will be Blood top the list, The Kite Runner is not far behind.
  
  
• Visually stunning; and sorrowful - No credit for US
  By AEVHM9T2YWQJO on 2008-04-14
  First off, I've not read the book. This review is only about the DVD. Visually stunning - like nothing I've seen before. The cast was excellent. I like foreign films, so subtitles are what I expected. To have this with English dialogue only would have affected the patina for me.
  
  It made me want to adopt a kid from that part of the world and "save" them. Iraq or Afganistan. Very troubling what we see for these kids under the taliban and shiria law.
  
  What was sad for me that, in the extras, where the production folks talk about the movie, the director and the writer speak to the work of NGO's in Afganistan and how they need support. That's true.
  
  BUT no mention and no credit to the United States military who HAVE stepped in and courageously cared enough to die for these people. The Soldiers and Marines and Sailors and Airmen that have given their lives to step up and intercede on these peoples behalf.
  
  One message central to the movie is those who stand against aggression and what's wrong and those that are victims and are brutalized. The fact that this movie couldn't even notice the 1000 lb elephant standing in the room ...
  
  The very thing this movie is preaching about has occured in Afganistan and in Iraq and the anti-violence, give-peace-a-chance crowd and let's all work together crowd are the very same that are the first and loudest to condemn the war in Afganistan and especially the war in Iraq.
  
  A very good movie that needs some context on what we're doing for the Afgan peoples right now and how much we have stepped in and are doing what is right. I highly recommend this movie.
  
  
• The Kite Runner...
  By A33PNAQ33DGBJG on 2008-04-18
  An excellent movie. There is some graphic abuse to a child but when that is over, the rest of the movie is very moving. The movie is not in English so you won't be able to get up for popcorn or something to drink! It could have been better if it had a bit more depth to it which I am sure the book brings out better than the movie.
  
  I can only recommend this book to older children and family.
  
  
• Good Movie -- Interesting Look at Afghanistan
  By AA30KAI4RI6AT on 2008-05-08
  I read the book before seeing the movie, so of course I assumed the book would be better as it usually is. I was correct in this case, but the movie was much better than I expected and followed along closely to the book.
  
  The story is about two boys who grow up in Afghanistan. One was able to escape to America with his father when the Russians invaded in 1978. He then returned to Afghanistan many years later to take care of some unfinished business for his friend who was left behind.
  
  I already knew I would like the story, and I found the acting superb. I have no complaints other than the fact that the ending was a little far-fetched, which I also pointed out in my book review.
  
  I still would recommend the movie. It's the best I've seen in months.
  
  
• A Modern Epic
  By A2ATWKOFJXRRR1 on 2008-06-07
  THE KITE RUNNER is one of those modern epics that one is occasionally graced with. Spanning two continents, multiple family generations, and many decades, this film touches on a myriad of items including friendship, love, loss, and, ultimately, redemption.
  
  It's prime mover is young Amir (Zekeria Ebrahimi), a native Afghan boy who often plays with the hired help; mainly young Hassan (Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada), a Hazara boy who's family is supposedly inferior to the ruling Afghans. But the two form a bond of friendship based on education (Amir teaches Hassan to read), closeness in Amir's house, and, of course, kite flying.
  
  But bad times are on the way for the city of Kabul. The communists are invading and Amir and Hassan have separated due to an impossibly brutal act of prejudice by an Afghan boy against Hassan. The two may never see each other again.
  
  Amir's father races to get himself and his son out of Afghanistan, eventually finding their way to America. Here the two set up a gas station and live hand to mouth by selling at niche markets. And as Amir's father gradually becomes ill, a new revelation will strike to the heart of Amir; one that he cannot ignore and requires his return to his beloved Kabul.
  
  A study of friendship, war, and reconciliation, The Kite Runner is truly a fantastic piece of cinema. The story is never inappropriately spoken in English whenever we're in a foreign country, and only broken English whenever we're in America. This was refreshing and lent itself to a sense of realism.
  
  The acting was on-par with the best you'll see, too. Particular note must be made of Homayoun Ershadi who plays Baba, Amir's ailing father and strong patriarch. Also lead Khalid Abdalla as the older Amir is played well, especially when returning to Kabul to find it in ruin; quite the contrast from when he'd left.
  
  The cinematography of Afghanistan during Amir's escape and ultimate return are nothing short of breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks that will cause your mouth to slacken (I'm not sure exactly which mountain range they used in the film, but wherever it was I want to go there and film it myself!)
  
  But it isn't the cinematography nor the acting of one or two people that makes this film a success. It is a simple story told very well that makes it worth any movie watchers' while. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Well done, but didn't add much..
  By A3A2BE0JTBV4U on 2008-02-08
  I absolutely loved the book, and although I liked the movie, I found something was lacking. For me it didn't add to the book, but it took some of the magic away.
  It's still a very moving story, a very interesting movie, and like someone else wrote: the kite flying scenes were really well filmed.
  
  
• An amazing story...
  By A2GA2SO3YK6CXI on 2008-04-03
  After reading this excellent book, we had no choice but to obtain the DVD. Still remember the phrase that coming to America from Afghanistan was like "lifting a person from the certainty of turmoil to dropping this person in the turmoil of uncertainty."
  
  While the book opened our eyes to yet another human struggle for freedom, opportunity and the pursuit of happiness, the DVD brought the story to life.
  
  The characters are much like those imagined while reading the book and the story still shares the struggle and emotional turmoil lived by the families. This is the story of Amir, the son of a business man from Kabul, and a servant boy by the name of Hassan. The boys grow up experiencing the simple joys of life, involved in the adventures of running kites and sharing stories of past generations, learning a way of life that comes to an abrupt end.
  
  The choices made by Amir define his character as a coward, disloyal to the best friend he shall ever have. While I don't want to give the story away, the writer and the producer weave an amazing web of unspeakable betrayal that keeps viewers engaged in the struggle of Amir to redeem and find forgiveness for the sins of the past.
  
  This quest for redemption brings him back to Afghanistan to rescue the son of his friend Hassan. His country is now under Taliban rule, and through the story we learn about his war destroyed native land. Don't miss it, learn from the author the great lessons that in order to live and confront life... we should not keep secrets, however painful these are, and we should delve on our past to fully understand who we are... where we come from, and the choices made by our ancestors. This liberates and sets us free to live life in peace.
  
  
  
• Flaccid adaptation of a great story
  By A140XH16IKR4B0 on 2008-04-07
  I haven't read "The Kite Runner," and so had no expectations about how well the movie would compare with the book. Still, I found the movie extremely low-key and (for a movie that includes several graphic assaults) directed without much passion. The story revolves around two boys -- master and servant -- who grow up in the same Kabul household. Bookish Ali and Hassan, his devoted friend and servant, often play together in the streets of Kabul. Competitive kite flying -- in which the object is to cut the string of one's opponent's kite -- is a favorite pastime. Hassan is Ali's kite runner -- the boy who runs after the fallen trophies. One day, Hassan is attacked by a group of older boys while Ali watches, too frightened to come to his friend's aid. Ali's sense of shame only compounds the sense of unworthiness laid down by his father's dismissiveness. After the Soviets invade the country in 1976, the boys are separated for years, until a phone call urges Ali back to his home country.
  
  The basic plot of the "Kite Runner" is exciting and harrowing, and has been captured adequately in this adaptation. Readers of the book, like my wife, will not be pleased with how much of the story's richness has been left out of the movie. I didn't mind this as much, not having read the book, but I did note the movie's sluggish pace and set-piece feel. While Hassan was played superbly by Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada, the quiet and slightly-built Homayoun Ershadi was miscast Ali's powerful father. The film did try to replace the missing plot details with visuals of the Afghan countryside, but these were not especially inspiring or instructive. However, the effects used to render the flight of the fighting kites were eye-catching.
  
  Not a bad film, but definitely one you should skip in lieu of the book.
  
  
• Still lasting tragedy
  By A153NZD2WZN5S3 on 2008-04-13
  This story written by then Afghanistan native is a worthy testimony to modern history in making.
  
  Although, perhaps, not all Soviet "Russian" soldiers were "quickie"-thirsty and not all terrorists were sex-obsessed, I like this movie because throwing away all blubbing of enduring the Western democracy somewhere, it simply dismantles a real face of a bunch of murderers, those terrorising even own folks rapists, paedophiles and simply liars playing religious card worldwide while, regrettably, even the most educated victims of them bring about and spread hatred and intolerance to any place they have refuge and new life in.
  
  Good luck in the States-The Land of the Free to boys performing the main film characters: their screenplay is superb, and, surely, grown up in liberated Afghanistan, they surely know who is their friend and who is not, regardless of biology new country-citizens belong to.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Of friendship and family
  By AJRFZ0VZ0LD26 on 2008-04-18
  Multi layered story about childhood friendship between two boys who grow up in Afganstan long before Taliban came to power. As they come from two different social classes, inevitably, their lives take different turns once they reach adulthood. For people who have not read the book, I wish not to say more because that would disclose the plot. For the ones who read the book, I am unable to confirm if this is fair adaptation of the book, since I have not read the book yet. However, the story is touching and original, if not heartbreaking. It is a story about friendship, culture of Afganistan and meaning of family. It is a sensitive and thoughful story about the Afganistan as it is today and the new beginnings that are never easy but can be rewarding nevertheless. Great film. Even if you do not appreciate foreign movies, this one is worth reading the subtitles. Watch it - you will not be disappointed.
  
  
• story telling at its best
  By A3I74NX81BDK3D on 2008-04-19
  I don't think that this film needs any more praise, but I think I have a couple things I can add to what has already been written. I didn't know people were still allowed to tell stories like this. Rich, complex, completely rooted in history and experience yet personal, and a completely human and fully participatory protagonist. Add to that a plot twist followed by a good old fashioned surprise ending and epilogue (counterbalanced by a prologue) and you've got a tale of the satisfying, old fashioned kind. In this case, there's also a strong screen play, with six critical events in the story happening, like clockwork, every 20 minutes. It's the sort of attention to pacing that makes the great Persian Epic of the Kings (Shahnamah) that they boys read from in the movie work, and it makes modern story telling work as well. So, enough with the 'it's not like the book' and 'it's in a foreign language.' It isn't a book; it's is a great film story, told simply, straighforwardly. And criticizing a movie for being in a foreign language, or in black and white, or filmed on a set instead of on location is like criticizing a book for being divided into chapters or printed in sans serif type on white paper--it's the way the creative artists in question have chosen to tell the tale. Judge it on its own merits. I'm willing to suspend my disbelief (or incomprenhension) any day for the pleasure of a good story, and this is definitely one of those.
  
  
• A Review Through the Eyes of Someone Who Read the Book First - A No Spoiler Review
  By ABNMJKRHN0ULX on 2008-05-10
  First I'll promise you that there will be no spoilers and that this will be a very general review.
  
  The Story: It's a story about redemption. The story takes place in Afghanistan and it does an excellent job of making you feel like you are really viewing a foreign country. I don't know how historically accurate it all may be, but it fooled me and that's good enough for me. There really aren't any "action" scenes. This movie is all about characters and story.
  
  As I said in the title, I'm viewing this movie having read the book a month or two ago. Overall, I think they did a good job of capturing all of the major plots from the book but there was quite a bit of material missing that helped you connect with each character. I watched the film with my girlfriend and at certain points I wondered if she really understood what the characters were feeling and I paused the movie to tell her about certain points that were made in the book to help her appreciate more what each character was thinking.
  
  Personally, I feel its unfair to compare a movie based on a book to the actual book because the book is almost guaranteed to be better and I don't believe that a story that works as a book will necessarily work as a movie. A movie also has to condense a lot of story into a very short time span that can be seen in one sitting, so thats a big disadvantage.
  
  Having said all of that, my girlfriend cried so the movie did touch her. It's difficult to assess how good the movie stands on its own because I knew the characters so well having read the book, so if you've read the book and want to re-live this story in a much shorter span than it would take to read the book over, then I think you'll love it.
  
  I'm giving it five stars, but I'm not looking at it as a stand-alone story or as an alternative to the book, but more as a partner to the book.
  
  
• A rare gem of a film!
  By A2QU97Q6TUSN6D on 2008-05-20
  I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Kabul on business in 1976, before the Russians, before the Taliban. It was a bustling, vibrant city -- teeming with energy and friendly people, crowded market stalls, and delicious food! After reading Mr. Hosseini's books, "Kite Runner" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns", and being greatly moved by both, I wondered if either would ever be filmed. This adaptation isn't perfect -- it would need to be much longer to deeply explore all the nuances , but it captures the feel of a country, a people, and lives torn apart by tragedy and the possibility of redemption. The subtitles probably are difficult for some -- I speak the language so they didn't bother me all that much, but if it were dubbed into English it would lose something. I'm glad this film was made. Enjoy it as a small window into a proud culture that has endured a terrible crushing blow and still manages to persevere.
  
  

• Atonement (Widescreen Edition)
• There Will Be Blood
• Juno (Single-Disc Edition)
• Charlie Wilson's War (Widescreen)
• No Country for Old Men