SummaryBased on one of the most acclaimed novels in recent memory, The Kite Runner is a profoundly emotional tale of friendship, family, devastating mistakes, and redeeming love. In a divided country on the verge of war, two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan, are about to be torn apart forever. It's a glorious afternoon in Kabul and the skies ...
SummaryBased on one of the most acclaimed novels in recent memory, The Kite Runner is a profoundly emotional tale of friendship, family, devastating mistakes, and redeeming love. In a divided country on the verge of war, two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan, are about to be torn apart forever. It's a glorious afternoon in Kabul and the skies ...
I really liked this film, which was my first foray into Afghan cinema, very rare here on the European cinema circuit. The film has its value not only because of the touching story it brings us, involving the friendship between two children, their common passion for kites (which I also see as an obvious symbol of freedom) and the way their friendship is affected by the most recent events in Afghan history, namely the invasion of the Soviet Union and, decades later, the rise of the Taliban regime.
The film is very good and up-to-date, giving us a different view of the facts than what we are used to, and which probably identifies with that of the Afghan people themselves. The films we are used to addressing these issues from the perspective of the USA and the West. But the best thing is to see the film ... I'm afraid that if I go too far in considerations about the plot, it could ruin the effect that the film has. The script is very good and engaging until the end, and the direction of Marc Forster knows how to extract the best and show what is good about the film.
The cast consists mostly of amateur actors of Afghan nationality, and that gives the film a very welcome authenticity, to which should be added the fact that everyone speaks in their national languages. The cast's work is impeccable and careful, and everyone is very good at what they do. Personally, I would like to see them work again.
Technically, it is a discreet film that makes good use of the resources it has and adapts well to the circumstances. A good part was filmed in China, probably because Afghanistan still does not have security conditions to guarantee the integrity of the production. Cinematography makes the most of the landscapes and places used, and is guided by elegance and sobriety. The light and color are extremely pleasant. The special and sound effects accompany the general technical quality and the soundtrack, discreet, fulfills its role with dignity.
It's not exactly a cheerful movie, but because of the good performances and the emotional story, it's definitely worth watching. I really felt for Hassan and Amir, and the movie always stayed interesting.
Forster's solid, unpretentious movie hits its marks squarely, and isn't afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve. Only a mighty tough viewer could fail to be moved.
The Kite Runner is earnest and sentimental and formulaic and obvious. Watching it, I could understand the fuss over Khaled Hosseini's bestselling novel, but the film didn't make me want to read it. That's not a slam against the book, but a way of illustrating just how literal and bland the film adaptation turned out.
"The Kite Runner" was an interesting and slightly touching movie about the friendship, loyalty and reconciliation when it had good performances and story, and when my favorite part was the showing the country of Afghanistan then and now.
This film by Marc Forster is based on a novel of the same name by author Khaled Hosseini who is of Afghan origin.
I have not read the novel but I found very interesting how the film immerses you in the day to day life of Afghanistan, also the hobby that gives the title to the film and of course the work of the kid actors. However I feel that Forster was too passive in trying to portray the darkness that eventually takes over the plot.
However, I definitely recommend it.
Surprisingly tame. All the issues with the book persist here, but it retains few of the books strengths. It is heavy handed, sugary, mediocre and contrived.
Production Company
Dreamworks Pictures,
Sidney Kimmel Entertainment,
Participant,
Parkes/MacDonald Image Nation,
China Film Co-Production Corporation,
Beijing Happy Pictures Cultural Communications Co.,
Kite Runner Holdings,
Ebeling Group,
Neal Street Productions,
Wonderland Films