The Kite Runner (2007)

Academy Award Winner for Best Original Score: 2008

For you, a thousand times over! - Amir

Like many book to movie translations, the story line was much more indepth in the novel form. However, a pretty fair retelling of the story in my opinion. Here were a couple things I didn't like...

First of all, too much was cut out of the beginning of the movie. A significant portion of the novel is dedicated to exploring the relationship between Amir and Hassan. The fact that Hassan is his servant comes into play much more in the written word as the caste system is more established. Additionally, we see more into their personalities: Amir is more a meek child and Hassan is a bigger, stronger boy who stands up for him, a trait that did not carry over into the casting for the roles.

Secondly, the lack of information about the kite flying and traditions. This is something that simply could not be included, understandably, for time constraints. However, in the book the reader gets to learn quite a bit about the tradition, how it got started and how important it is to the people. 

Lastly, in the novel Assef is in fact Caucasian. He has blond hair, and if I remember correctly, fair eyes. The way author Khaled Hosseini describes the character in the book it brings to mind almost a Nazi, making him seem even more evil than he is. I thought that played an important part in the book and was upset to see the film makers chose to do away with that aspect. Overall, remains one of my favorite books, and the movie was sufficiently entertaining.

3.5 stars out of 5