A peek at ugliness of post-Russian Afghanistan

Based on the mega-best seller from author Khaled Hosseini, the film provides us a peak at the ugliness of post-Russia invaded Afghanistan and the terror of the Taliban. Director Marc Foster adds a gem to his resume, which already includes "Monster's Ball", "Finding Neverland" and "Stranger Than Fiction".

The story of young friends Amir and Hassan and the unknown bond they share into the next generation. This is a story of honor and courage and loyalty and is an unusual coming-of-age tale. Some great scenes of the boys when they are kids and then a couple of truly amazing scenes as Amir returns as an adult to find Hassan's imprisoned son.

This is tight, compelling story telling with a message. The acting is solid throughout, with no one actor stealing the screen. Although not a pleasant story to watch unfold, it is certainly meaningful and heart felt. Plus a quick shot of Midnight Oil playing in the pool hall is a welcome gift.

Emotionally Wrenching

This movie is an emotional roller coaster - there are times when you want to smile and jump for joy, others when you want to cry due to a tender moment, and then there are others when you want to cry because it is so emotionally wrenching (due to a disturbing event).

The story revolves around Amir Jan and the son of his father's servant, Hasaan. They are young boys who are best friends leading up to the invasion of Afghanistan by the USSR in 1979. This movie is not for the faint of heart or those who are easily disturbed - hence the PG-13 rating. However, I would suggest that the rating might even be a stretch (due to a rape scene involving Hasaan). Amir Jan and his father come to America at the time of the invasion and the story picks back up in 2000 with Amir Jan a married man. I will not spoil the story, but if you want a good portrayal of the different periods (pre-1979, post USSR occupation and advent of the Taliban) in Afghanistan and a story of hope and forgiveness, this is it.

THIS MOVIE ROCKS!!!

This is a great movie about afghanistan that shows the country before the Taliban and the soviets. It shows that life in afghanistan was as normal as any where else before the soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban. It also shows that flying kites in afghanistan is a sport that takes lots of practice and skill. Last but not least, Its a beautifully told story of two chilhood friends who became separated and the journeys that they ended up on. With an ending that truly will warm the hearts of the entire family. I highly recommend this movie. I cant believe there was not a word about this movie at the academy awards, But the showered praise on a piece of crap like NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN ( what the hell was that?).

Very good page-to-screen adaptation

This book made me cry, it was that powerful. I expected to be disappointed by the film, as typically the film version of a great book is less than stellar, but I was very pleased with it and bought it on DVD after seeing it. This is an excellent adaptation of a phenomenal book. The actors are excellent and restrained, particularly the boys who play Hassan and young Amir and the actor who plays Baba, Amir's father.

A great watch...

Wow. Though sad and hard to watch, "The Kite Runner" makes for a very powerful and moving story. The scope of the film has a very cinematic (almost epic) feel to it. Who knew that kite scenes could really look that good. The actors were fantastic and the story was pulled together in a seemingly perfect way. It will be hard to sit through again but is definitely on my "must buy" list.