Recent Reviews for The Kite Runner
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MCT:March 14, 2008THE KITE RUNNER (2007)
directed by Marc Forster
starring Homayoun Ershadi, Khalid Abdalla, Atossa LeoniIn the late 70's, two kids live their friendship during the last days of Afghanaistan's monarchy. One is a rich man's son, Amir, and the other is the son of their servant, Hassan. They do everything together until the Hassan gets beaten up by a couple of bullies, and ultimately raped, all under the eyes of Amir who was hiding, but nobody is aware of that and its never mentionned again in the film. After that incidentm Amir starts treating Hassan differently but he'll regret that when they'll be seperate by the arrival of the Talibans. Fast-foward a couple of years later, Amir has graduated from University in America, deals with his life there and end up being married and publishing a book. One call comes in, he goes to Pakistan and meet an old friend who tells him about Hassan's death and how his son is stuck in an Orphanage. Amir has to go back for the first time in Kaboul, to get the kids and face what his beloved country from his childhood has become.The Kite Runner is based on a beloved novel that I havent read, but that doesnt change the fact that I could tell there was a lot missing from the book. I dont care about whats missing when the film works but here some, probably, important stuff wasnt even mentionned. Its not like omitting some useless information from an Harry Potter book. The film spends too much time in America without even really developping anything about Amir's new life. What happened in between anyways ? The film gave me the feeling that I was watching a TV movie which could have been better as a TV series, cause it could have had more time to develop many things.
The Kite Runner was directed by Marc Forster, who keeps surprising the audience with a new genre everytime he makes a new film, but here his direction is flavorless, except maybe for the kite duel scenes, which are pretty impressive. Another good decision was to make the film in the original language rather than making it in English. Ang Lee makes films about American values, why couldnt Marc Forster make a film about Afghan's ?
A film about friendship that introduce a little bit of history is always interesting. But unfortunately The Kite Runner feels too long and despite the good acting, its hard to tell if the film had real genuine intentions or if it really just wanted to be another disappointing Oscar bait. The score is amazing though.
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MCT:March 13, 2008
I was not expecting much by this film, I thought that the novel was not suitable for a film version, but I was wrong.
I would give a lot more space to the part of the narration in the pre-soviet Kabul, I would give more space to the pomegranate. It is difficult to tell all the psycological drama of the young Amir, his conflict with his feelings: only paper and ink could give such a richness of thoughts.
Yet, the film manages to catch the essence of the novel, it's drama, and tells a wonderful story. I loved the direction, there are such good scenes... The kite competition was perfect... -
MCT:March 10, 2008A really good film! The selection of actors is brilliant. Unfortunately my favorite scenes from the novel the film is based on, are not reflected. Still it s worth seeing!!!!
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MCT:March 9, 2008A wonderfully presented film. Filled with lots of true emotion. Gives a really good view into the lives of people living in Afghanistan. A great story movie that doesn't rely on special effects or action to be compelling.
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MCT:March 8, 2008story tells that everyone has a right to live in peace. country afghanistan. mostly langauge is different so you have to watch subtitles to understand. just fine movie.
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MCT:March 7, 2008
This is such a sad story! I have to admit that I was frustrated watching it, but proved that you need to stand up for what is right!
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MCT:March 7, 2008My daughter read the book and then recommended it to me. We could not wait for the movie to come out. It left very little of the book out.."For you 1000 times over..."
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MCT:March 6, 2008i read the book first and then i see the movies . the book is really amazing but the movie is too weak !
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MCT:March 3, 2008
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.
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MCT:March 2, 2008
in australia not a commercial success at all...but none the less an amzing film. many scenes jst hit home hard especially the scene wen the two boys went 2 c magnif. 7 that shot jst brought bak alota memories...all in all a veri touching film alot of good no name actors as well!!
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MCT:March 2, 2008
This looks like a great film. I love these kinds of films, supposed to really dig the book if I would actually read anything ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! !
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MCT:March 1, 2008
huhuh!!! this movie is magnificent. but i don't get the idea why they have to cut the kite's thread? and I only knew through this movie why there is this T pipz...
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MCT:February 29, 2008
Marc Foster (finding Neverland) does well recreating this book.
Forester makes every effort to appease legions of Hosseini fans, of which I am one. ?Kite? is pleasingly faithful to its source material, weaving an enriching tapestry of dramatic ethnicity and tradition. The dread is palpable, particularly in modern-day Taliban -infested Kabul.
But a formulaic blueprint screams crowd-pleasing rather than risk-taking. ?Kite? pits good against evil in oversimplified terms, an exercise in futility for enthusiasts of dark emotional tones. Pacing is a bit rushed; a niggling feeling of something fundamental left on the cutting room floor.
Performances are sound, particularly that of the still-waters-run-deep Abdalla. Piece looks wonderful, shots of Kabul pre and post-militia as silent witness to its skewed politics.
Genuine if not exactly inspiring. -
MCT:February 25, 2008
I loved this movie. I'm so glad it was shown at school. It's a great movie that represents love in a friendship. ♥
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MCT:February 25, 2008
An astoundingly honest and emotional account of two boys growing up in Afghanistan, and the changes that have come about in the country, the political uprising and violence. One of the boys goes back years later to rescue the son of the other one (now dead) from the turmoil that is happening. Great story, terrific cinematography, great acting, especially from the 2 young boys.
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MCT:February 24, 2008
Faltaram várias partes do filme, mas as que foram apresentadas foram muito bem encenadas! Vale a pena a ver, ainda mais pra quem já leu o livro. As imagens formadas na leitura se materializam nessa obra cinematográfica!
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MCT:February 23, 2008
Based on the highly acclaimed book by Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runer basically tells the story of a guy who tries to redeem himself after betraying his childhood friend because of his guilt.
Basically unknowns here, except for Marc Forster. Just goes to show it's not necessary to have an A - list cast to get powerful acting.
There are so many themes here it's hard to list them all. Parent/child relationships, religion, politics, betrayal/guilt ... just to name a few.
Some of the realism of the book is taken out, mainly because both the director and screenwriter are Westerners. But the great opening music by Alberto Iglesias is a great bonus!
Definitely recommended, for readers and illiterates alike. -
MCT:February 22, 2008
If you hadn't read the book, this would be a beautiful story and If you had, you would be a tad disappointed. Hardly, are there any novel based movies that could do its book any real justice but I'd give this film 4 stars for its efforts in trying to capture the book's sentiments. Film or novel, this is a truly a beautiful, tear-jerking story. "FOR YOU, A THOUSAND TIMES OVER!"
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MCT:February 21, 2008
One of the best movies I've ever seen. The movie, like the book, depicts the author's view of what Afghanastan was like during the Taliban rule & at the end of the Soviet occupation.
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MCT:February 21, 2008I really liked Forster's previous movies, Monster's Ball, Finding Neverland, & Stay.But the fact is, he doesn't know much about Afghanistan and Afghan traditions to direct a movie about them!
First of all,as an Iranian, I must say that I was really disappointed with Homayoun Ershadi's performance.His accent was fully Iranian, and he didn't sound like an Afghan man at all! ! Shaun Toub was not impressive as well.Just like other performances ,it even made me laugh hard at some supposedly tragic parts!! But it wouldn't be fair to forget that the young actors did a pretty good job.
The book, although a very touching and influential story, did have a few flaws.I felt really close to it, and I loved it half the way through, until the part Amir returns to Afghanistan and specifically, when he encounters a person from the old times,which nearly destroyed the story for me.As the book is very realistic and sad, that part is really out of place and seems like a joke more than anything.That part on the film,on the other hand, is less irritating and even contains one of the most powerful scenes in the movie, where Sohrab is brought to the room.But probably it's one of the very few strength points of the movie!
To make the review short, I just need to point out one scene in the movie, where there are women in an Afghan Stadium!!!!! Oh my God, Come on!!
In conclusion, the Kite Runner is a touching but flawed story that could've been much better if it were written and directed by someone who knows more about Afghan culture and traditions. -
MCT:February 18, 2008
Based 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 are bursting with the exhilarating joy of a kite-fighting tournament. But in the aftermath of the day's victory, one boy's fearful act of betrayal will mark their lives forever and set in motion an epic quest for redemption. Now, after 20 years of living in America, Amir returns to a perilous Afghanistan under the Taliban's iron-fisted rule to face the secrets that still haunt him and take one last daring chance to set things right. Commented by Paramount Vantage
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MCT:February 17, 2008
Excellent book turned into an excellent movie. Well written, well directed, wonderful actors. Warning to those who don't like subtitles, most of movie is in subtitles.
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MCT:February 15, 2008
I only saw this because my film class went to see it on a field trip. I didn't enjoy it. Itjust didn't seem to be made well. I felt it was rushed a bit. I also didn't care for Amir. I think the acting was also a bit weak and some of the dialouge was bad. This makes me very concerned seeing as Marc Foster is making "Quantum of Solace" and I am not impressed with him so far to be happy with him to make the next Bond film.
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MCT:February 10, 2008
an absolutely brilliant film.. makes you think makes you feel bad and you think of other atrocities like this going on every day.. It really makes me sick to see what happens to some of the children of a lower class.. it really made me sad.. 95% subtitles..
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MCT:February 10, 2008I Tried To Watch It But After 5 Minutes I Was Like : Whatever ! Who's GOnna Watch This Crap Blah Blah Blah! Marc Forster Is Overrated His Movies Are Medicore At The Best ( Finding Neverland ) And HE Gets Good Reviews ! Helloooo He Doesnt Deserve It
