The Kite Runner (2007)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Raymond W

  
  The performances make this film, so the actors needed to be right on point, or this film wouldn't have been nearly as good as it is. Marc Forster and David Benioff have made a faithful adaption from the book, leaving out parts only necessary to the central story. The acting on… More
  The performances make this film, so the actors needed to be right on point, or this film wouldn't have been nearly as good as it is. Marc Forster and David Benioff have made a faithful adaption from the book, leaving out parts only necessary to the central story. The acting on display here is immensely powerful, as is the whole film. I was very pleased with the transition from book to screen, but the magic in the book was lost. It's not completely vanished, but it's not as prominent as it should be. The Kite Runner is a powerful, riveting, emotional film that is a faithful adaptation from the excellent novel.

• Jens S

  
  This drama adopting a critically acclaimed novel tells the story of two boys growing up in the 1970s in Afghanistan and a tragic event that changes their friendship forever. Years later, one of them has to return to his crisis-ridden home country to find peace of mind. The film starts… More
  This drama adopting a critically acclaimed novel tells the story of two boys growing up in the 1970s in Afghanistan and a tragic event that changes their friendship forever. Years later, one of them has to return to his crisis-ridden home country to find peace of mind. The film starts out pretty compelling, the story of the friendship finds an early highlight in a wonderfully filmed kite competition, portraying a realistic and respectful every day Afghan life before the Russian invasion. Once tragedy separates the two the film remains interesting but sticks to rather common paths: our protagonist leaves the country, gets married, loses his father. For some odd reason, even his return to a country that would consider him an enemy now never gets very exciting, not even in the eye of danger. Things always go oddly smoothly and while the story does touch you on a superficial emotional level, it never reaches deeper somehow. All that's well filmed, acted and results in a very entertaining film, though.

• E.J. B

  
  Three word review: Read. The. Book. Longer review: Marc Forster respects Khaled Hosseini's brilliant debut novel, but something does get lost in the adaptation process. The Kite Runner is one of the best books I've ever read, but the film version, while very faithful, acts… More
  Three word review: Read. The. Book. Longer review: Marc Forster respects Khaled Hosseini's brilliant debut novel, but something does get lost in the adaptation process. The Kite Runner is one of the best books I've ever read, but the film version, while very faithful, acts like a Coles Notes for those with really short attention spans, or a "Disneyfication" of the source material. Several plot points are simplified to move the story forward so that it can cover as much ground as its 2 hour running time will allow. This quick, rushed pacing causes a lot of scenes that had more emotional weight in the novel to lose their impact. In a nutshell, The Kite Runner spans several decades and sees the two main characters as both children and adults. One of the kids, Amir, begins to grow jealous of his friend, Hassan, although why he feels this way is never fully explored in the film - the novel was much more clear. Furthermore, the script by David Benioff doesn't fully grasp the conflict that is erupting throughout Afghanistan. Hosseini's novel speaks of the events through a naive narrator. In other words, Hosseini writes about the conflict but he does it through the perspective of the child; the child doesn't understand what he's seeing, but the readers do. While such a device works for the book, the film version never goes into any detail to explain the conflict between the two different tribes of Afghans and how that sparked much of the upheaval in the decades to come. Where the film stumbles into cheese-ball territory is in the kite flying sequences. Blending close up tracking shots with CGI kites, these sequences are not only out of place, they subvert whatever symbolic meaning the kites had to the story. Where Hosseini was very poetic in describing Amir and Hassan flying their kites, Forster opts for a heavy handed, sentimental approach, which will either cause unintentional laughter or annoyed "alright, we get it" groans. Nevertheless, I believe audiences who never read the book will still find this movie to be quite engaging. Judged as a film on its own terms, Marc Forster's Kite Runner isn't a bad movie. The actors are good, the music and the on-location mise-en-scene contribute to a very authentic experience. Much of Hosseini's story still successfully translates to the screen, and the final fifteen minutes are sure to make a few audience members shed tears. Unfortunately, this is a pale adaptation of a masterwork. Fans of the book will surely be disappointed. But if you're new to this story, the film is good enough to entertain you and hopefully inspire you to pick up the book.

• Anthony L

  
  I think I would have probably enjoyed this film more had I not read the book first. Although it is a good film, well directed and mostly well acted, it had none of the tension nor tenderness of the book. I would urge you to read the novel first, and then watch the film.

• Alice S

  
  It's rare for an unconditional friendship to not be sappy and cliche. Perhaps it takes the innocence of youth. Perhaps it also takes the cultural understanding of a subservient loyalty that transcends servitude. Everything in this movie is beautiful - the kites, the honor, the… More
  It's rare for an unconditional friendship to not be sappy and cliche. Perhaps it takes the innocence of youth. Perhaps it also takes the cultural understanding of a subservient loyalty that transcends servitude. Everything in this movie is beautiful - the kites, the honor, the cowardice, the triumph. Something that does not sit well with me though is the American Savior political slant. It's only a happy ending because Amir plucks Sohrab out of Kabul to provide him a better life in America. What the orphanage director says is true - Amir couldn't care less about the other children; in a way, he can't afford to care more - and what adult Assef says is true - Amir didn't witness the destruction of what he once called home; he now calls America home.

• paul s

  
  Not quite a classic, as there are too many contrived elements, but nonetheless an insightful and often powerful film that lets us inside a land and culture that are very foreign to westerners. While we can revel in the differences, there is an undercurrent that yes, we are all… More
  Not quite a classic, as there are too many contrived elements, but nonetheless an insightful and often powerful film that lets us inside a land and culture that are very foreign to westerners. While we can revel in the differences, there is an undercurrent that yes, we are all human and suffer from the same tragic flaws, while all the while holding out hope for redemption. Jelousy - you got it in spades as the young boy here's his father telling his uncle that the younger servent boy is the kind of charactor he wishes his son was. That overhearing leads to a cascade effect wherein the boy ends up falsely accusing the servent of stealing. When confronted, the servent glances at his "friend", who can only look down and then away. Thinking that the boy will get in trouble with his father, the servent takes the fall, a selfless act of total friendship that the boy fails to comprehend until years older. by then, history and time have removed the servent from the picture, until, while living in exile in San Francisco, the main charactor is then called back to Afghanistan where secrets are revealed that lead him to make ammends for his past. There is a very strong undercurrent of bigotry in this film, as well as an adherence to a class system that exists even while in exile. It is painful to watch those who now have a leveled playing field, still cow towing to "superiors" who are equally as destitute. But to do otherwise would turn their beliefs inside out, furthering their feelings of displacement. an interesting side note: back in the 70's (when much of this film took place), I spent a glorious season as a kite fighter - something that I thought was unique to my group of friends, as I had never seen it done by anyone else until this film.

• Emile T

  
  Satisfying adaptation of the great novel. Not Marc Forster's best.

• Alexander W

  
  Pros: based on a book Cons: really bad screenplay

• Lady D

  
  From book to film this intriguing story is quite an insight into the war-torn years in Afghanistan. Directed by Marc Forster, the film appears authentic and natural. The Kite Runner takes a little while to show which direction it is heading in, but during that period the… More
  From book to film this intriguing story is quite an insight into the war-torn years in Afghanistan. Directed by Marc Forster, the film appears authentic and natural. The Kite Runner takes a little while to show which direction it is heading in, but during that period the foundations of the tale are set and character development is established. The film evolves into a class dividing, guilt ridden, culture changing journey, which questions loyalty and friendship to the deepest of levels. My one complain if any, is that the older Amir, was less of a good Actor than the boy who took the part of the younger Amir.

• Jani H

  
  "There is a way to be good again" "The Kite Runner" is an authentic and powerful portrayal of Afghanistan, a country that has suffered from a Soviet invasion and a Taliban regime. A country that is still at war. The movie tells a story about a man that has to go… More
  "There is a way to be good again" "The Kite Runner" is an authentic and powerful portrayal of Afghanistan, a country that has suffered from a Soviet invasion and a Taliban regime. A country that is still at war. The movie tells a story about a man that has to go back to his homecountry, several years has passed with him living a new life in the US. By going back, he gets a chance to redeem himself from his past. "The Kite Runner" is visually stunning and, importantly, has a story worth telling. The story goes thru several decades, starting from the 70's and ending in early 21st century. The actors, both young and old, amateur and professional, do a wonderful job. A special mention goes to Homayoun Ershadi's work as the lead characters father. Marc Forster once again proves that he very much likes metaphores and has an exceptional eye for detail. Recommended! "For you, a thousand times over"

• Al S

  
  It's such an amasing, extroadinary, thrilling, exciting and breathtaking movie. A heartfelt, deeply moving, powerful and outstanding film in every possiable way. A masterpiece. Director, Marc Fosters greatest film ever, he truly is a brillaint filmmaker. A fastinating and… More
  It's such an amasing, extroadinary, thrilling, exciting and breathtaking movie. A heartfelt, deeply moving, powerful and outstanding film in every possiable way. A masterpiece. Director, Marc Fosters greatest film ever, he truly is a brillaint filmmaker. A fastinating and beautiful work of art that you truly connect with. A true unforgettable classic that grabs hold of you and dosent let go. It shakes you, breaks you and lifts your soul. An incrediable real-world drama that shakes you to the core with it's realism, characters and spirit. The cast, writing and direction are all superb. It's high valued in it's story and development in it's characters. One of the greatrst novel adaptations ever made. One of the greatest films i have ever seen.

• Jim H

  
  A powerful, emotional film overall. However, there are flaws. Forster's understated style only works with remarkably strong actors, e.g. Halle Berry in Monster's Ball. Khalid Abdallah is not in her league. He missed nuances and subtle opportunities that are essential to… More
  A powerful, emotional film overall. However, there are flaws. Forster's understated style only works with remarkably strong actors, e.g. Halle Berry in Monster's Ball. Khalid Abdallah is not in her league. He missed nuances and subtle opportunities that are essential to his character's arc and Forster's intentions. Also, the film tends to be slightly polemic; the history of Afghanistan is reductively rendered to accommodate Hollywood's time limit. I did like how the movie didn't overdo its optimistic ending.

• danny d

  
  this is a great movie. the cast was chosen pretty well, and the locations chosen for shooting were excellent. the film did feel a bit rushed, this was one of those times where i would have supported this film going a full 3 hours in length because the story was so epic, but i… More
  this is a great movie. the cast was chosen pretty well, and the locations chosen for shooting were excellent. the film did feel a bit rushed, this was one of those times where i would have supported this film going a full 3 hours in length because the story was so epic, but i understand why the film was limited. there were some changes from the novel that were better, and a few that were major downgrades to the story, but overall i loved the film.

• Thomas J

  
  Such a touching story!!! Everyone should see this movie!! I will now read the book to get the details I'm sure the movie missed. It is a great movie!!!

• Lorenzo v

  
  The Kite Runner is filmed beautifully and acted surprisingly well by all those involved. It is a story about an introverted boy who at first is cowardly and considered a shame by his own father, but later turns out that he had courage in him all along. The story is heartbreakingly… More
  The Kite Runner is filmed beautifully and acted surprisingly well by all those involved. It is a story about an introverted boy who at first is cowardly and considered a shame by his own father, but later turns out that he had courage in him all along. The story is heartbreakingly real and the actors all convinced me their characters were real people and I almost wished they were. It saddens me that Afghanistan is not like it used to be not so long ago and the scenes involving the Taliban were chilling and sordid. The movie is never dull and is both depressing and inspirational and beautiful.

• Manu G

  
  An excellent movie for sure! This movie remind me alot of The Namesake from last year but much better. Great acting and great emotion from everyone. Spanning from the final days of Afghanistan's monarchy to the atrocities of the Taliban reign, an epic tale of fathers and sons, of… More
  An excellent movie for sure! This movie remind me alot of The Namesake from last year but much better. Great acting and great emotion from everyone. Spanning from the final days of Afghanistan's monarchy to the atrocities of the Taliban reign, an epic tale of fathers and sons, of friendship and betrayal, an unlikely friendship develops between Amir, the son of a wealthy Afghan businessman, and Hassan, a servant to Amir and his father. During a kite-flying tournament, an unspeakable event changes the nature of their relationship forever. As an adult haunted by the childhood betrayal, Amir seeks redemption by returning to his war-torn native land to make peace with himself and reconcile his cowardice.

• Jose Z

  
  A wonderful film, so heart-breaking involving friendship, anger, and betrayal. A very touching and emotional story about two Afghan kids who are the best friends until something unpleasant occurs to one of them. Its a view of how Afghanistan's reality is right now and how Afghan… More
  A wonderful film, so heart-breaking involving friendship, anger, and betrayal. A very touching and emotional story about two Afghan kids who are the best friends until something unpleasant occurs to one of them. Its a view of how Afghanistan's reality is right now and how Afghan people deal with it on their own ways. It has a beautiful photography, all the landscapes are astonishing and the music is a joy. The direction by Marc Forster is excellent, he tells a very dramatic story in a unique and tender way. Everyone on the cast gives amazing performances, specially the two kids. In conclusion, this is a very enjoyable and moving film that will make you appreciate life.

• Michael S

  
  One of the biggest disappointment of 2007. Great source material turns into a heavyhanded, rushed, and ultimately mediocre film.

• Aaron N

  
  Rahim Khan: You should come home. There is a way to be good again. Here's a good story adapted from a better book that despite containing a lot of dark material, decides to portray things in an uplifting manner. The story involves a young boy from Afghanistan named Amir. It is… More
  Rahim Khan: You should come home. There is a way to be good again. Here's a good story adapted from a better book that despite containing a lot of dark material, decides to portray things in an uplifting manner. The story involves a young boy from Afghanistan named Amir. It is set in the late 1970s, before the communists come in to ruin things, followed by the Taliban. Amir is a shyish type boy who's only friend is Hassan, the son of a servant to him and his father. Amir likes to write stories, and Hassan very much likes listening to them. They encounter bullies, who push them around, although Hassan tries to act like a bodyguard. The great thing they do together is fly kites. During a kite-flying tournament, a horrible event takes place effecting these boys' friendship. Soon after, Amir and his father flee the country to America. Amir eventually graduates from college, becomes an author, and takes a wife. Fate catches up to Amir however, and he must now return to his native land to set things right for himself and his old friend. A big part of this movie is how Amir is essentially a coward. This also shows some of the problems with the film. Due to various reasons, the film cannot due enough justice to the book and truly portray the redemption that Amir seeks. This is caused by controversial issues with Afghanistan and the PG-13 uplifting tone it tries to maintain. Another problem is how predictable things become. There are no real surprises despite the various twists that it tries to throw at us. Despite these things, this is a good movie. The performances are all top notch. There are a number of satisfying moments. The music is quite good. And the way the kite-flying is capture is surprisingly very exciting. Amir: I'm going to find a boy. His father meant a lot to me.

• William D

  
  [font=Garamond][size=3]"The Kite Runner" is an artistic achievement, but more importantly a moral triumph. Not since "Schindler's List" have I been so morally moved by a film.[/size][/font]… More
  [font=Garamond][size=3]"The Kite Runner" is an artistic achievement, but more importantly a moral triumph. Not since "Schindler's List" have I been so morally moved by a film.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3][img]http://images.fandango.com/ImageRenderer/250/375/nox.jpg/102108/images/masterrepository/fandango/102108/kiterunnerposter1.jpg[/img][/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]Based on a best-selling novel by [b]Khaled Hosseini[/b], the film depicts a common tragedy that many people in the world want to ignore. I imagine everyone has by now heard what this crime is, so I'm going to speak about it openly. If you have not heard about it and would prefer to see the film without my giving away this major plot detail, you should not read any further. For the rest of us, let's continue. [/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]The film opens in Kabul, Afghanistan, in the years shortly before the Soviet invasion. One of the major characters, a boy named Hassan, is the son of a servant. The illiterate boy and his father live in the home of a wealthy widower who has a son named Amir, about the same age as Hassan. The boys are best friends, closer than brothers, despite the class and educational differences.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3][img]http://www.vh1.com/sitewide/flipbooks/img/movies/production_stills/k/kite_runner/172.jpg[/img][/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]Hassan is not just lower class; he is also a member of a much-maligned minority group (almost a lower caste) and is is regularly belittled by the bullies in his neighborhood. One day the bullies rape him. Of course Hassan tells no one. He recedes into silence alone for a very long time. The film laments not only the brutal mistreatment of Hassan, but even more so the fact that Afghan society tacitly endorses this brutality by ignoring it. If Hassan had spoken up, he would no doubt have been attacked again, possibly even killed. Afghan society's cavalier attitude toward this rape is best embodied by the way Amir behaves. I won't explain any further than that, so as not to give away any more plot details.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]Proving how true to life this film is, the actor who played Hassan, [b]Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada[/b], began to fear for his life after word about the film began spreading in Afghanistan. This shows plainly that the twisted sickness that the film laments is raging still. A testament to this film's courage is that it knows that this evil is still very much alive today, and it challenges it anyway. "The Kite Runner" is not a look back at a less enlightened time. It's a courageous truth-telling about evils going on [u]today;[/u] evils that almost no one wants exposed for some perverted reason. Very often when a boy stands up to tell his story of victimization (regardless of the country in which it occurs), he is attacked by his neighbors. This child actor doesn't really get raped; he just depicts getting raped. That's enough! He's attacked for that. Meanwile, the actor who played the rapist didn't have anything to fear. [b]Rape isn't the crime; [u]being raped[/u] is.[/b][/size][/font] [img]http://www.vh1.com/sitewide/flipbooks/img/movies/production_stills/k/kite_runner/210.jpg[/img] [font=Garamond][size=3]This madness is incomprehensible. I always recoil in horror when a culture protects its rapists and attacks its rape victims. This used to happen all the time in the United States. Hopefully it's happening less now. Hopefully this film will make it happen less in Afghanistan in the future.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]I do have to say that the first half of the film is directed in a way that is often very mawkish. Director [b]Marc Forster[/b] is not skilled at directing children. His approach would make a Hallmark greeting card seem edgy. But the film really takes off in the second half, when we meet Amir as a grown man in San Francisco. [b]Khalid Abdalla[/b] does a superb job bringing this man to life, even though he seems about 35 and his character is supposed to be 20. I overlooked this because Abdalla was so good.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]The most thrilling sequence in the film is when Amir figures out a way to atone for his past sins. I won't reveal how he does this, but it will surely lift your heart in a way that might honestly change your life. His adventure brings him back to Kabul during the period when the Taliban was in control. Once there, Amir learns something about his connection to Hassan that he never knew. This comes like a thunderclap in the film. This secret is kept so well through the first half of the film that I really didn't see it coming. I of course won't reveal this detail.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3][/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]The depiction of the Taliban leaders is brutal. They appear not much better than Nazis, with a special undercurrent of child molestation. Thus rape of boys returns to the story, making the film both deeply meaningful and painful to watch. [/size][/font][font=Garamond][size=3]In the end though, it's Amir's triumph that is so moving. It makes watching all this tragedy worth it. [b]Amir is a great hero for the 21st century.[/b] I was so moved by the film, that I left the theater and went straight to a bookstore to get a copy of the book. I want to immerse in this story of redemption and courage even more deeply.[/size][/font]

Read all 20 featured audience ratings