‘The Kite Runner’ is a film adapted from a coming-of-age novel by Khaled Hosseini of the same name. The film slashes a lot of the original book scenes but maintains the overall storyline. Much of the story is told as a flashback to the main character’s childhood in 1970s Afghanistan, but the flashback weaves into the plot. A rich boy named Amir is best friends with Hassan, the son of the family servant Ali. From childhood, they grow up together, playing and flying kites in the streets of Kabul. Amir was especially skilled at cutting his opponent’s kites, and Hassan would always chase after the falling kites to bring them to Amir. Each time, Amir would thank him, and Hassan would smile and answer, “For you, a thousand times over.” While Amir was too cowardly to defend himself from bullies, Hassan always stood up for him, even taking punishment intended for Amir. One bully named Assef was brutal, tormenting them day after day. One day, Amir wins a kite-flying tournament. Hassan goes chasing after the falling kite, with Amir following in the background. Hassan encounters Assef, who demands the kite, but Hassan refuses to break his promise to Amir. From his hiding spot behind some stairs, Amir witnesses Assef do something unspeakable to Hassan. Amir, being the coward that he was, runs away and keeps what he witnessed a secret all his life. Soon after, Hassan and his father Ali move away. The Soviets invade Afghanistan, and Amir escapes to America with his father. Years later, he receives a cryptic phone call offering him a chance to redeem himself from all those years earlier.

Before going into film specifics, the story is incredible and touching. It’s a story of friendship, redemption, courage, and honor. The dialogue, acting, and cinematography are top-notch. The chemistry of the entire cast, including the childhood versions of Amir and Hassan, was remarkable. I thought the atmosphere felt authentic, capturing the days before the Soviet invasion and later the Taliban’s control with the background music and overall tone. The film also portrays the barbaric behavior of both the Soviets and the Taliban, leaving rubble to a once beautiful Afghan landscape. It’s not a cheerful story but exudes a sentimental feeling of a country brought to its knees. There’s also the personal aspect of Amir trying to right a wrong. I believe the book was better, but the film didn’t feel like a letdown. It met my expectations. I think literature has a certain advantage that allows a writer to express nuances that cinema can’t duplicate equally. Overall, I think the scriptwriter did a well enough job and kept the main ideas intact.

Would I recommend this? I don’t think it’s a must-watch, but I enjoyed its fresh feel. I didn’t think it was as good as the book, but it’s tough to transform the feelings, thoughts, and emotions from a novel to the big screen.