In 2000 San Francisco, Amir is living comfortably and has just published his book. He receives a call from Rahim Khan to return home. 1978 Kabul is trapped between the communists and the mullahs. Young Amir is an only child of a respected upper class principled father. His mother died in childbirth. His best friend is the Hazara servant's son Hassan. Amir wins a city-wide kite fighting battle. Loyal Hassan refuses to surrender Amir's kite and he is raped by older bully Assef. Instead of admiration, Amir feels ashame of Hassan and lies to get rid of him. After the Soviet invasion, he and his father flee to America.
The first half is a compelling story about shame and honor. The boys have a complicated relationship. The movie starts to have a few problems trying to adapt the story from the novel. The question is always about how to edit a book down to a watchable movie. Amir and his father in America could be completely eliminated. It adds a few things to the story but the time saved is more important. Afghanistan under the Taliban is interesting but the poetic ending is a bit too much. It may work in the book but it seems ridiculous on the screen. That climatic confrontation needs to be changed. Adapting a novel sometimes needs a sharper knife.
The first half is a compelling story about shame and honor. The boys have a complicated relationship. The movie starts to have a few problems trying to adapt the story from the novel. The question is always about how to edit a book down to a watchable movie. Amir and his father in America could be completely eliminated. It adds a few things to the story but the time saved is more important. Afghanistan under the Taliban is interesting but the poetic ending is a bit too much. It may work in the book but it seems ridiculous on the screen. That climatic confrontation needs to be changed. Adapting a novel sometimes needs a sharper knife.