Saturday, February 09, 2008

THE KITE RUNNER

A former Afghan returns to his native country for the first time since the Soviet invasion in THE KITE RUNNER. Amir, a writer now residing in the United States, receives a call from an old family friend from Afghanistan. Upon receiving the call, Amir reflects back on his Afghan upbringing, specifically the relationship he had with his best friend Hassan, the son of one of his father’s hired hands.

THE KITE RUNNER is an earnest and seemingly honest portrayal of the danger that encompassed Afghanistan just before the Soviet invasion and more recently, during the Taliban’s rule. Although THE KITE RUNNER effectively conveys these times, it is as much concerned in detailing the intimate story between two childhood friends. Much of the film is set during the boys childhood in Afghanistan. This is the heart of the movie, revealing a great deal about the boys’ character and the men they will become. It also successfully outlines the fragile structure between Amir, his father and others connected to their family. Pressure from his father, everyday bullies and general youth angst are weaved expertly by director Marc Forester and screenwriter David Benioff. Both have adapted Khaled Hosseini’s compassionate story into a moving and personal picture.

Grade: B

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