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95 of 96 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Intense: not for the light hearted and has wrong age classification., 14 Jun 2008
Most of the film is in Persian/Dari with subtitles, which may be more of an issue for some viewers than others. It tells the story of two Afghan boys, one rich, and one poor who enjoy a close friendship in Afghanistan on the eve of the Soviet invasion. They are keen kite flyers, although a personal dispute makes their friendship go sour just as the invasion is happening. One boy escapes with his wealthy anti-communist father to America, whilst the other remains in Afghanistan.
Years pass, and the refugee boy is now a successful published author living in America. He then receives a phone call, telling him that his friend is dead, and that there is something very important he should know about him which explains the close bond his father seemed to have with his friend. Also, the friend has gone on to have a son, who is now being kept as a slave by a Taliban commander following his fathers death. The refugee turned author must now re-infiltrate Afghanistan, now under Taliban control to rescue his friends son, and avoid being killed by the Taliban who will not take kindly to his American passport, or his clumsy mistakes concerning their strict interpretation of Islamic law.
It has to be said, this film has a number of very jarring violent and adult scenes that are much stronger than the ludicrous 12 classification. Early in the film, a boy is anally raped, and whilst we mercifully don't see the actual act, it is clearly implied. Also, there is a rather jarring scene where a woman in a burqa is stoned to death for adultery at a Taliban rally. During the escape from the Soviet invasion, a Russian troop points a gun at a convoy of refugees, and offers to let them go in exchange for sexual favours from the women. Needless to say, these themes and scenes are not very appropriate for 12 year olds.
All in all, the film is a very good show. It has some powerful themes and scenes, but it is not light viewing. If you like intense entertainment, this is for you. The infrequent but strong violence means its not one to watch with the kids, despite the rather tame seeming 12 classification. This film should at very least have been a 15.
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56 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Very Emotional Journey , 4 Jan 2008
This film is very much worth going to see currently at the cinema. Without telling you too much, this film takes you into Kabul, Afghanistan, and follows the lives of two Afghani boys. One who is wealthy and lives with his father (Amir), the other his servant (Hassan), but both best friends. In a divided country, on the verge of war, Amir's father never fawlters to treat his servants (Hassan and his father) well (Although being from a different tribe and social class to him). Is there a reason for this? Although his father's warm hearted attitude towards them has never changed, Amir' (the wealthy boy's) attitude does change. His act of betrayal from fear marks both Hassan's and his own life forever. As a result, 20 years on, Amir sets about a quest for redemption, but is it too late?, or will he be successful in one last daring chance to set things right?
This story is full to the brim of lies, deceit, politics, negotiation, emotion, redemption etc. It's the best film on at the cinema at the moment. Sure, its slow in parts but gripping throughout, especially towards the end - Highly Recommended!
*If you are wandering why it is called The Kite Runner, and you're one of those who just doesn't like to watch the news about Afghanistan (I must say, I can't blame you), then I'll tell you why. The kite is used as a symbol in the film of hope, fun, competitiveness, but above all FREEDOM. When the taliban took over, they banned kite flying and subsequently took away the right of freedom.*
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ticks all the good boxes, 4 April 2008
This movie does feed on stereotypes (like many movies) but I found its plus sides overweight considerably the few clichees that some people have picked on. It is first of all a wonderful epic that kept me heart and soul glued to the screen for its 2 hours duration. The acting is great, but the performances of all the young actors are amazing, I think they are the heart and soul of the movie. They really set the tone of the story. Another good bit is that this movie is an introduction to Afghanistan to many Westerners. It has been for me , at least. My knowledge and interest in Afghanistan had been zilch, apart from what my mind cared to remember from catastrophic news flashes on news channels in the UK. THis movie/and book has sparked at least my curiousity to find out more about what's going on in Afghanistan. SO I have read Jason Elliot's 'An unexpected light - travels in Afghanistan', Rory Steward's 'Theplaces in between', and Eric Newby's ' A short walk in the HIndu Kush'.They are well written and recognised travel books on Afghanistan. I highly reccomend them to anyone who cares to find out a tid bit more about that country. The Kite Runner is a beautiful movie.
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