Movie Loner

One of my ex-girlfriends once called me a jaded son-of-a-bitch. I think she accused me of being emotionally detached. I was too busy laughing at her college level pyscho-babel to be certain, but she definitely didn’t like my attitude. Truth is I was emotionally detached from her because she was a whining bore. I’ll admit I’m a cynic, but my cynicism doesn’t carry over to the movies. After watching The Kite Runner I was reminded that life is filled with poignant stories of self-discovery capable of stirring emotions, even in asses like me.

It’s the late 70s in Kabul, Afghanistan. Amir, son of well-to-do businessman Baba, is best friends with Hassan, the son of Baba’s longtime servant, Ali. The boys spend their days wandering the streets, reading stories and flying kites. Hassan’s loyalty to Amir is unwavering; he fearlessly protects Amir from bullies and relishes his role as “kite runner”, running after kites that Amir cuts down. Amir is a timid boy, preferring to write and study rather than stand up for himself, much to the chagrin of his fearless father. Amir’s cowardice has devastating repercussions when he fails to step in while Hassan is brutally assaulted by older boys. The tragic incident fractures the boys’ friendship eventually leading to Ali and Hassan leaving Baba’s service.

Russia’s subsequent invasion of Afghanistan forces Baba and Amir to flee to Pakistan. Their journey takes them to Fremont, California where years later Amir graduates from college. While dreaming of becoming a writer, Amir falls in love with the beautiful Soraya and must endure his father’s failing health. In early 2001, Amir is called back to Afghanistan where he receives news of Hassan’s death. Amir’s guilt from his childhood betrayal is resurrected. A chance at redemption sends him back to Kabul to rescue Hassan’s orphaned son from the oppressive grip of the Taliban regime. Faced with real danger the grown Amir does what the young Amir could not — he risks himself to save another.

I’m not sure if it’s true but I read that Khaled Hosseini, the author of the novel The Kite Runner, was brought to tears after seeing a screening of the movie. That’s a ringing endorsement for any film adaptation. It’s always a challenge to adapt works of literature, especially those that span several years, but director Marc Forster and screenwriter David Benioff keep the crux of the story intact without any disruptive gaps in plot. High praise for Homayoun Ershadi who plays Baba, a proud and patriotic man who sacrificed much to make a life for his son. I may be a cynical SOB, but even I can appreciate movies with heart and The Kite Runner has a lot of heart.

The trailer for The Kite Runner: