This slow film is quite touching and ultimately joyous
an occasional moviegoer, looking for something different, interested in history
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DEC
16
2007
The Kite Runner —
Somehow, I ended up attending The Kite Runner today, just two days after the film went into limited release in the US. Bottom line is that this is a good film and it's worth seeing. It is a beautiful story of childhood, growing up and growing away, but never forgetting. Equally as interesting to me was the historical and geopolitical background the film delivers regarding Afghanistan and -- to a lesser extent -- Pakistan.I don't recognize any of the names involved with The Kite Runner, so I won't bore you with a list of names that you're also unlikely to recognize. However, this film was well-acted, beautifully put together and a first-rate production in every way. It's a story about two young boys, one wealthy (Amir) and one poor (Hassan), who are best friends in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1978. The two are skilled kite flyers and together ace a kite competition that is the highlight of their young lives. Their joy quickly comes to an end when Hassan is brutalized by an older bully, while the Amir can only helplessly watch from afar. Torn with confusion and internal anger that he could not help his friend -- or even understand what was happening -- Amir cuts off his friendship with Hassan. Soon the Russians invade Afghanistan and the wealthy family must flee, eventually ending up in San Francisco.
Amir grows up in the USA to be a successful writer, but a phone call from a nearly forgotten voice draws him back to Afghanistan in 2000, at the height of the Taliban. In a race with his own soul -- and some surprising new information -- the now-Americanized friend goes back to Kabul to face his past and square himself with his memories.
After looking at this movie, you could not get me to go to Afghanistan by dragging me behind an oxcart. That said, the scenery is stark and beautiful, and some of the filmmaking (such as the kite-flying scenes) is superb. However, the film felt 15 minutes too long and there was just too much dialog in a foreign language. Yes, I know that's realistic but there you have it. On the other hand, the acting was excellent -- even for the many scenes with what appeared to be 10-year-old kids.
Although there is a lot of sadness in The Kite Runner, the film is ultimately uplifting. And if you go to see it, keep a tissue or two handy... you'll need it.
I recommend The Kite Runner. It immersed me in a world unlike any I've seen and that's a good thing.
Last edited on Dec 17, 2007
The Kite Runner is recommended by bkovacs
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