excellent movie, well shot, well acted and a great story.

I read the book a couple of years ago and I was deeply affected by a story that stayed with me ever since, a story that powerfully weaves so many universal themes: love, loyalty, fear, guilt, honor and redemption. The movie is as true to the book as movies can be. During two hours, it carries you through all these emotions against the strong contrast between Afghanistan and the US – I believe that the flatness of the American segment of the story against the vivid colors of the Afghani one is extremely powerful –. The contrast between the main characters is equally powerful: Hassan embodies love, loyalty and courage, while Amir is full of fear and guilt. They both converge in their vulnerability and, ultimately, a supreme act of redemption. Artistically, the moved is impeccable: great cinematography and amazing acting – the unknown faces is quite refreshing –. The casting of the young Hassan is a masterpiece in itself, since he is absolutely irresistible. The actor playing Amir does exactly what his character is supposed to do: he sleepwalks through the movie, stripped of all emotion just because he was left with none, until life gives him the opportunity to redeem himself. (You have to be an amazing actor to represent LACK of emotion; it’s just like Helen Mirren playing the Queen). And the boys’ father is even more intense than in the book (another case of amazing acting). In summary: this is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time (and I’ve seen many!)… Expand

For someone that enjoyed the book immensely, the movie was somewhat disappointing. Although still worth seeing, the movie does not capture the sole of the book. Nevertheless I still enjoyed this beautifully crafted movie.

My vote for Best Picture. Richly textured story of one man's fall and redemption in Afganistan, from a child's viewpoint. Wonderful and beautiful settings and glimpses of the culture.

This is one of the most faithful literary adaptations I've ever seen, and virtually all performances are first-rate. While the script occasionally flags from some sentimentality, this hardly diminishes a story that is heartbreaking and ingeniously plotted. Ideally, one would do well to read a good contemporary history of Afghanistan before reading any work of fiction set within the region, but barring that, the film stands well on its own. There may be a tendency among critics to pick away at the film because of its tie to a book that led the NYT Fiction List for so long. This is a case, however, in which many critics have missed the boat. This genuine, heartfelt adaptation may actually open the hearts and minds of viewers to Afghanistan and its tortured history. The audience of which I was part, applauded and cheered at the close of our screening, so my hope is that word-of-mouth will help secure its reputation. One of my favorite films of 2007.… Expand

Great, touching adaptation of the book.

The Kite Runner 12A Most films, even the Oscar winners and "box office best sellers", tend to be pretty dull affairs and hardly ever worth reviewing. 'Kite Runner' is a film that starts low key and actually gets better and better as the film progresses. Without being at all cliquéd or over-stated, 'Kite Runner' is a true "Tour de Force": magnificent, powerful and incredibly moving. Make sure you take some Kleenex tissues as it is quite a weepie, albeit unexpectedly so, and a far cry from Hollywood saccharine. It tells the story of the friendship between the son of a servant and that of a high-class family to whom the boy's family is in servitude. It is set in Kabul and San Franscisco, the former on location in North Beijing, with stunning landscape, photography and authentic recreation of an Afghanistan peasant community, that takes us through marketplaces and mountainous terrain. It is hard to see how it is a 12A certificate film, for it shows scenes of male rape against a young boy and graphic scenes of animals strung up in the market place, their heads laying around on the ground in the Halal method of draining off the life-force blood of the creature. The film appears to be based on an autobiographical account of the strong relationship of the narrator - one of the boys -with his father and this ensures the emotional moments are touching and authentic, rather than stylistic or formulaic. Just when you think the script and storyline are predictable, one is surprised by the sudden twists and turns drawing gasps from the audience. The film stars are excellent, of ethnic authenticity, with one of the co-stars a dead ringer lookalike of Dodi Fayed. Strongly and unhesitatingly recommended, the film is beautiful without ever becoming corny, despite the ending being pure Hollywood. Superb and of great depth. Even the soundtrack is a masterstroke of cinematic genius. Must go see!… Expand

The best movie we've seen in months. Do not miss this magnificent film.

I read the book a couple of years ago and I was deeply affected by a story that stayed with me ever since, a story that powerfully weaves so many universal themes: love, loyalty, fear, guilt, honor and redemption. The movie is as true to the book as movies can be. During two hours, it carries you through all these emotions against the strong contrast between Afghanistan and the US – I believe that the flatness of the American segment of the story against the vivid colors of the Afghani one is extremely powerful –. The contrast between the main characters is equally powerful: Hassan embodies love, loyalty and courage, while Amir is full of fear and guilt. They both converge in their vulnerability and, ultimately, a supreme act of redemption. Artistically, the moved is impeccable: great cinematography and amazing acting – the unknown faces is quite refreshing –. The casting of the young Hassan is a masterpiece in itself, since he is absolutely irresistible. The actor playing Amir does exactly what his character is supposed to do: he sleepwalks through the movie, stripped of all emotion just because he was left with none, until life gives him the opportunity to redeem himself. (You have to be an amazing actor to represent LACK of emotion; it’s just like Helen Mirren playing the Queen). And the boys’ father is even more intense than in the book (another case of amazing acting). In summary: this is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time (and I’ve seen many!)… Expand

The book is the best I've read in a long while. The film was expected to be a flop - surely they can't make a great film of a terrific book?? Well they did. I spent the 2nd half of this film on the verge of tears almost constantly. The emotion of the book really came back to me. A wonderful film - should be enjoyed by everybody. Much better than some of the other blockbusters Hollywood has released recently.… Expand

I may not have read the novel before watching the movie, but based on the moving and powerful script alone, I'm rushing over to Borders right after this notation.

Excellent adaptation of the acclaimed novel. The acting was suberb, direction was well done and the scenes from Afghanistan and Pakistan were breathtaking. It's a heartwarming story about the power of redemption and forgiveness, loyal to Khaled Hosseini's masterpiece novel.

This film is much better than many critics say. The story has a mythic quality to it, like a Greek tragedy transported to modern day. Another way to put it is, like Dickens, coincidence is used as metaphor for the mistakes and decisions we make on the spot, but almost instantly regret. It is the story of a child of moral and physical weakness learning to be strong as a man. Let no one tell you this film isn't cinematic. The story happens in the interior lives of the characters, and could not work on a large canvas. The performances are outstanding, and the score is very fine. This film has none of the inappropriate dazzle of Monster's Ball, and none of the archness that marred Finding Neverland. The fact is, I liked both of those films, but this one is Forster's must coherent work yet, and a riveting story besides.… Expand

Excellent film that mostly has its heart in the right place and is compelling to watch. The two child actors are excellent and the direction, except for a few lapses into schmultz, was very good.

What a beautifully told poignant film - it makes you grateful for the life and liberties that we take for granted in democratic countries - and sad and helpless for not being able to do anything to help.

Saw a DGA friend's screener. Had not read the book. It's well shot, well produced, and competently acted. That's about all I can say for it. This movie is going to get better reviews than it deserves. It's half introduction to Afghani culture (interesting to a point - but a National Geographic or 60 Minutes piece would do the job better), half over-the-top melodrama. The narrative is slow moving, contrived, and revolves around a cowardly main character who I never grew to identify with or feel for. As a primer on life in Kabul, it's interesting, but a bit ham-fisted. Citizens of foreign cities don't walk around pointing out interesting cultural traits to each other. The whole sha-bang seemed to be aimed straight at the Oprah crowd. If you're sheltered, easily manipulated, have never traveled, and can't get enough of narratively-convenient uber-tragedy... this one's a winner!… Expand

Best movie of the year ! Great acting by the kids.

Loved the book, hated the movie. I didn't connect at all with the main character, the story wasn't compelling. It was about as good as a made for TV movie. Very disappointing.

Is it just me or is Ebert giving every movie that comes out a perfect score? I understand he's happy to be back at work but this does not deserve four stars. It barely held my attention and left out some of my favorite parts of the book.

Good story! Great movie! You cannot take your eyes off the actor playing Amir's father! His genuineness and intensity are amazing! Conversely, the actor playing the adult Amir sleepwalks through his role. This is definetly worth a 2nd viewing.

Terrific cinematography, beautiful score, a couple of strong acting performances by the two Afghan children, and a heart-wrenching story that Marc Forster directs so well (did anyone not cry in Finding Neverland?), but a lead character that is so spinelessly arrogant that, without a call from his homeland, would never have sought redemption in the first place. Good movie with a terrible role model.… Expand

Excellent. As good as if not better than the book. I don't usually cry at the movies but this was an exception.

A wonderful and warm film, touchingly made. The score is awesome, the cinematography exceptional. Finely acted, such deep characters. Well written.

A moving film with credible actors. Fine sceneries. It follows the story of the book meticulously.

This was an awesome movie, there's just no other way I could say it. I have not read the book, but as an avid reader, The Kite Runner is definitely my next read.

This movie is essentially a lot of nothing, compared to the book, this movie is awful

A truly capturing cinematic motion picture that brilliantly shook my bones tell the end. A film to see with the family.

A wonderful, thoughtful film. Take plenty of Kleenex

Our rooting interest in Amir's redemption is considerably hampered by our realization that he'll only help out his own kind. Amir(Khalid Abdalla) mulls with trepidation when he's called back home to Kabul, and accepts his mission only after learning the truth about Hassan. Amir's act of heroism isn't entirely satisfying. As young boys, Amir should have helped Hassan, regardless of his societal status. They were friends, after all. "The Kite Runner" might be unaware that Amir is still nothing like his father; a man who was willing to take the bullet from a Russian soldier to protect some strange woman from being raped.… Expand