Kite Runner (DVD)

Rating

The movie is definitely thought and tear-provoking, but not really something I would consider entertaining in the conventional sense. Its dark and brooding mood centers around downfall and redemption within a family, but also touches on morality (private and public), religion, authoritarian rule, etc. The otherwise common themes benefit from the unusual context of turbulent times in a place that has been closed to western eyes and sympathy for decades. Most of us have written off the whole Middle East today as dark, mysterious, medieval, barbaric, and hopeless, but this movie indirectly reminds us that people there are - or were? - just like us: proud, ambitious, diverse, noble, as well as pathetic and despicable - and all prone to errors, except that their errors are amplified by the politics of the day. Given that Afghanistan is still in the news (and probably will be for decades to come), and the Taliban appear to be gaining strength, more of us should learn about the painful history of this country and its people as pawns of the two former superpowers (the US and the USSR)... Although the movie ends on a positive note on the beautiful and peaceful coast of San Francisco, the future is still bleak and uncertain, since there will have to be years of careful recovery and rebuilding ahead - just like the unfolding reality in Afghanistan and Iraq. There is no explicit --- and relatively little violence (compared to our standard American movies), but there are a number of disturbing scenes even to an adult. The grim public execution and the implied off-screen ---- of the little boy (?!) will probably raise uncomfortable questions or leave strange impressions in children. For this reason, I would not recommend this movie for anyone younger than high-school age. However, I would make it a mandatory viewing for all high-school students, since that's where most of the anti-social behavior (such as bullying) seem to be solidifed and reinforced. A decompression period of several hours is needed to let it all sink in and get sorted out. Having someone to talk to would be a plus. Fortunately, I had another 4 hours left in my flight...

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Rating

Although it's not as good (or complete) as the novel, this movie does an outstanding job of imparting the asthetics of the Afghani lifestyle through the characters. The transitions from English to Farsi were excellent and lent authenticity to the story being viewed. Although I always visualize as I read, this movie gave me some concrete faces and personalities to meet my expectation level. Not every character is depicted accurately (according to the descriptions in the novel), but they each play their roles effectively in the story. Well worth the time to view.

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Rating

The movie is true to the book. A great way to educate people as to the plight in Afganistan - Some moral values do come through - I enjoyed the book and the movie as well. Have watched it twice already - and it will be a great movie to share. It isn't for young children - but definitely for adults.

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