Movie Review - the Kite Runner

I haven't cried at a movie in a long, long time but this one, The Kite Runner, tested my strength. Our Book Club read "The Kite Runner" written by Khaled Hosseini who spent his childhood in Afghanistan and Pakistan and his young adulthood in California. I will say that I understand the story much more clearly after seeing it depicted as a movie. The characters come alive.

The setting is Kabul, Afghanistan in 1978 where Amir lives a privileged life, yet enjoys the company of his best friend, his father's servant's son, Hassan. Hassan worships Amir and will do anything to stay in his good graces. When Hassan becomes Amir's Kite Runner in the annual Kiting Contest in Kabul, the envy of the neighborhood boys boils to the surface when Amir and Hassan win the contest. A significant scene is played out at this point when Hassan is terrorized by bullies while Amir runs away.

Another momentous occurrence follows, compelling Hassan and his father to leave the house of Amir and his father and to sever their relationship forever. We are left to question the integrity of Amir and are uplifted by the spirit of Hassan.

Without giving away important details, it is enough to say that shortly thereafter Amir and his father Baba feel obliged to leave the country in 1979 due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Baba has been outspoken against the Soviets for many years and their safety is in peril.

Amir and Baba eventually make their way to California where they enjoy the freedom that Americans take for granted. Amir graduates from college and embarks on a writing career to the dismay of his father who wants his to be a doctor. Amir meets the daughter of an Afghani family, falls in love and gets married.

What sends him back to Pakistan and Kabul on a sacred mission? Fortunately, his wife understands his motives and awaits his return. The scene now changes from the United States to the war-torn Middle East where the Taliban are in charge. The violence suffered here by Amir is probably the reason for the PG-13 rating given this movie.

I cannot bring myself to tell you either the ending or the events leading up to the moving conclusion. I can only assure you that you will shed tears as I did. Do yourself a favor and rent this movie today.

Sources:

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/rguides/us/kite_runner.html

Movie: The Kite Runner - Netflix