Movie Review: K is for The Kite Runner


The Kite Runner is a wonderful film, based on the bestselling novel by Khaled Hosseini.  The story is set in Kabul, Afghanistan, 1978, prior to the Soviets arrival and the rise of the Taliban.  The main protagonist is a young boy, Amir, -son of a well to do Afghan, and it's his childhood that we follow, his days at school, his relationship with his father, whose approval he strives to attain, and central to Amir's story is his friend, Hassan, -the son of Amir's fathers servant.  The two boys spend idyllic afternoons racing kites with the rest of the neighbourhood, and its during the biggest Kite Race of the year, that their friendship is truly tested.  And, it's twenty years later, that Amir returns from America, to make good on a secret that he's harboured since leaving Afghanistan with his father. This is a richly woven tale of brotherly love, relationships, lost innocence, envy, forgiveness and acceptance.  Yes, -it's all that and more.

Now, it's true that I cry at the drop of a hat, but not since watching 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' have I been so moved by a film, it's possible that I sobbed through the entire second half of the movie, many tissues were tossed onto the sofa that night.  This is not due to female hormones either, this story touched the hearts of a good number of my male friends, who I can safely confirm without fear of retribution, -cried, like boys, for a long time afterwards.  Film kudos to the director, Marc Forster, and the brilliant cast, but above all, -full credit to Khaled Hosseini for writing such a beautiful tale.

The Kite Runner is a PG rated film, and beware some scenes may upset you.  Overall, it's in my top 10 movies list.  And, I have a long list, my friends.  Well worth viewing... I hope you do.

Comments

catdownunder said…
I have read the book but not seen the film - not sure I want to. The book was definitely a tissue job too!
Tabitha Bird said…
Wow. I will see the film then. I was wondering if it was any good. I heard mixed reviews about the book.
Ruthie said…
My mum loves that film.. and she is reading the book at the minute too. Great post, thanks :)
Bish Denham said…
I've heard of this one and want to see it.
Ann said…
I remember going to see this movie with a girlfriend and at the end of it we just sat in our seats as the credits rolled, absolutely spellbound by it all! Incredible!
Ann said…
I read the book and it was great. I didn't go to the film because films usually don't do justice to the book. I guess I will have to revisit that attitude in lieu of your excellent review.
TS Hendrik said…
I don't mind admitting that I cried like a little girl watching the film.
Gujjari said…
Good Movie Review. I am planning to watch the movie. Interesting post.

I am following your blog from now.

Please, welcome to my blog and if you like follow my blog.

With regards,

http://mydaughtersdreams.blogspot.com
Anonymous said…
I'm with catdownunder. I loved the book so much that I am a little nervous about seeing the film. Rarely does the same transition take place.
Carol Riggs said…
Sounds like a great movie! I haven't read the book yet, either. Thanks for your review, and bringing it to my attention! Have a great week. :)
Unknown said…
Fantastic review. I haven't seen this yet, but it sounds like a great movie.
Michael Di Gesu said…
Thanks, Talei,

It sounds like a real heart-wrenching story. I much prefer to read the book for the movie. Most films kill the essence of wonderful prose. Of course there are many exceptions as in this case I am sure.
Mya said…
Wow, you have been on a writing spree. I go away for a few days and now I am trying to catch up. I love your posts so I will have to revisit tomorrow to catch up.
I bought the Kite Runner book last year for my sister - she also liked it - I have not read it yet (not sure I am ready to spend the emotions), but one day I will.
Mya said…
One of my favorites by Lewis Carroll is The Walrus and the Carpenter - "The time has come," the walrus said "to talk of many things. Of shoes, and ships, and sealing-wax, of cabbages and kings. And why the sea is boiling and..."
It may sound a little strange but the words sound pleasing to the ear (well, mine anyway) and are fun to say.
I never knew how to pronounce the words in the Jabberwocky, and as a little girl I wondered if it was like pig latin, which I never mastered either.
Talei said…
Hello Everyone, I am catching up on posts tonights, thank you for your lovely comments.

Cat, miaou. Totally understand, there's always a worry that the movie will never be as good as the book. I know my friends who read the book and seen the movie - thought it was wonderful. In fact, they recommended it to me.

Tabitha, awesome. Hope you enjoy!

Ruthie, you're welcome!

Bish, excellent. Do see it if you can. ;-)

Book Gatherer, love when that happens at the picture theatre. If its really good, I sit and watch the entire credits. ;-)

Ann, definitely a good film, hope you do see it.

TS, haha! Dude, I think not. Cried like a boy, non? ;-))

Gujjari, thank you, nice to meet you via A to Z too.

Donna, completely understand, as with my comments to Cat. It's hard, isn't it, if you really love a book. ;-))

Carol, thanks! Have a lovely week too!

Cheree, thank you! And, its a fav of mine. I know, I keep gushing here but its good. It really is.

Michael, if you do read the book, I think you will enjoy it. The movie is good, some funny bits too but overall such a moving story.

Mya, thank you! You say the most wonderful things. And I love, love, love that quote! Very pleasing to the ear and tongue! And we can imagine it. x

Popular Posts