The Kite Runner (2007)

     Starring: Khalid Abdalla, Homayoun Ershadi, Zekiria Ebrahimi, Shaun Toub
     Director: Marc Forster, Rebecca Yeldham 

     Based upon the autobiographical book The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, this epic story  journeys from childhood through adulthood beginning in Afghanistan pre-Taliban and ending in modern day San Francisco.  It's the story of two friends split apart by war, shame and a lie.  It's the story of a father struggling to raise his son as the world he knows crashes down around him and he suddenly finds himself on the wrong side of politics.  

     Multifaceted, heartwarming and educational this is a great family film to share with tweens and teens and discuss afterward.  Many life lessons and morality issues the end in redemption and reunification of heart, soul and family. Not recommended for children under twelve.
      In Kabul, prior to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, well-to-do young boy Amir and his loyal young Hazara servant Hassan are best of friends. Amir enjoys writing and literature, reading stories to the eager but illiterate Hassan. Amir's Baba (father), is contemptuous of Amir's writing and privately regards him as a weakling for letting Hassan protect him from bullies. Baba's friend Rahim Khan demonstrates interest and encouragement to Amir. Assef, a bully with rancor towards Hazaras, and two accomplices confront Hassan and Amir, but Hassan prevents the attack with a slingshot, a birthday gift from Amir. Assef swears revenge, ridiculing their relationship as mere master and servant.

       Soon the Soviets invade Afghanistan; forcing Baba, a known anti-communist, to flee the country leaving Rahim Khan as property caretaker. En route to Pakistan, Baba bravely risks his life defending a female refugee from a Soviet soldier who demands to rape her in return for safe passage for all. Baba and Amir eventually reach the United States as humble refugees in Fremont, California. Baba tends a gas station while Amir attends community college and vends at a weekly flea market. There, Amir meets Soraya Taheri; Soraya is interested in Amir's writing although her father, the ex-General Taheri, a proud traditional Pashtun, is contemptuous. Baba is stricken mortally ill but manages to obtain General Taheri's permission for Amir to marry Soraya. Although Soraya feels bound to confess her previous relationships, they are happily married despite an inability to conceive children. As foreshadowed in the movie's first scene, Amir's debut novel is published, dedicated to Rahim Khan who encouraged his writing.

Posted in: Fatherhood,Friendship,Hope,Sacrifice,Survival