It is difficult to judge a movie based on a book when you've read the book prior. Most faults or successes in the story in The Kite Runner must be attributed to the book's author. Take, for example, the ever-so-conveniently-appearing bad guy. It isn't the movie's fault that the character seems a bit trite.However, what can be accredited to the movie is the understanding of a powerfully emotional story and escalating the emotion to a quite moving movie. Having read the book before I saw the movie, I knew a bit of what to expect, but my co-viewers did not, and a certain someone was absolutely bawling for the last half hour.
The Kite Runner is worth at least one viewing; it is truly a very good, possibly great, movie. Of all its successes, two stand out the most:
Children Actors
The typical child actor is either super-annoying (reference The Sixth Sense) or just weird (reference Signs). Amir and Hassan as boys are one-hundred percent believable. The sacrifice and loyalty radiates off of Hassan, while the indifference and cowardice is made real through Amir. A typical viewer will aspects of his adult personality reflected in the two extremes of these kids. I have to keep reminding myself that they are indeed actors. In fact, adult Amir is so devoid of emotion that it makes the kid stand out even more.
Squashing Everything In
The movie is barely over two hours, yet manages to expose the viewer to not only a superb story, but also glimpses of countries not often seen. Toss in a little history and great visuals (pomegranite tree), and you would have a great three hour movie. The fact that Kite Runner is able to do this in just two hours and still feel excellently paced is a credit to the film making.
In short, prepare yourself to have a cathartic crying night, have a drink or two beforehand to help you out, and watch this if you haven't already. There are a couple lines that will stick with you. Highly recommended.
The Kite Runner Rating: 90 / 100
Other Thoughts:
Hassan-Amir as a Christ-human metaphor (credit: Tiffany)
Amir's father -- easily the best acting in the movie.
Saddest part of the movie -- Amir's father leaves home expecting to return and never does.
