The recent film is a faithful adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's bestselling novel about Afghanistan.
Normally, I am quite critical of books turned into movies. One of my favorite books, The Power of One, was nearly ruined by the unfaithful adaptation, the recent version of The Golden Compass was disastrous, and even Gregory Peck didn't quite live up to my Atticus Finch. However, the recent adaptation of The Kite Runner is the exception to the rule; not only did I enjoy the movie, but I cried more in the theater than I did when I first read the book two years ago.
The Kite Runner, the international bestseller by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, takes place in Kabul, Afghanistan. It is the story of two boys, one wealthy child named Amir and his servant, Hassan. They are best friends, and Hassan is intensely loyal to Amir. However, Amir betrays Hassan by failing to save him from rape and then by framing him as a thief to deliver himself from shame. War and Russian invasion intervene and Amir and his father escape to America while Hassan and his father remain. Years later, Amir must confront his own wrongdoing, as well as his father's imperfections. He makes a dangerous trip into modern Afghanistan to save Hassan's son and redeem himself.
The book is gripping and an easy read, and the movie has the same effect. It is fun without being superficial, heart-warming without being cheesy, and serious without being depressing. If possible, read the book first. Then head to the theater to enjoy a rare film that does justice to the book it is based on.
