For you, a thousand times over!

I had a chance to watch the Kite Runner movie just a few weeks ago; and at that time I wasn't even sure that they will be bringing this movie into Malaysia. Which is why I am pleased and thrilled when I saw the cover of today's StarMag Variety. I blogged about the book (cover below) a while back; here.

Book Cover

This is indeed a gripping and moving story and I am happy to say that the movie is very close to the heart of the book. I am impressed with the setting and the casting of actual Afghans, especially the children. The use of the native language also adds to the authenticity and feel of the characters. This is really refreshing for me as I am often disappointed with recent movies which are "made from" books. I can vividly recall 2 such cases; Eragon and Stardust. Sigh.

Movie P0ster

The Kite Runner is a tale of friendship, redemption and hope. This story is a necessary moral staple for all. The movie is the perfect alternative to those who don't like to read. It's the kind of story that has to reach everyone.


Basic information:

• The Kite Runner is a 2007 Academy Award-nominated film directed by Macr Forster based on the novel by the same name by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini.
• Click here for complete synopsis (contains spoilers so if you have not watched it yet, beware!)
• For complete cast and crew; go to IMDB.

Wikipedia Excerpts:

Though most of the film is set in Afghanistan, these parts were mostly shot in Kashgar, China, due to the dangers of filming in Afghanistan at the time. Much of the film's dialogue is in Dari Persian (with English subtitles) and English. The child actors are native speakers, but several adult actors had to learn Dari. Filming wrapped up on December, 2006, its release was December 14, 2007. The Kite Runner was released on both DVD and HD DVD on March 25, 2008.

The plot of the movie follows that of the novel. It tells the story of Amir, a well-to-do boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, who is haunted by the guilt of betraying his childhood friend Hassan, the son of his father's Hazara servant. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of the monarchy in Afghanistan through the Soviet invasion, the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the Taliban regime.

For Christian parents; christiananswers.com movie review excerpts:

There is nothing morally objectionable in the film, and what violence there is, is a necessary component of the story.

“The Kite Runner” is the best and most morally uplifting movie that has appeared on the screen probably since “Luther.” This is the only time I have ever recommended that viewers read the book and see the movie.

Some reviewers have an issue with certain scenes, especially the implicit rape scene of a boy here is one scene where a boy is beaten, restrained, and sodomized by a larger bully, this scene however is not explicit scene and I feel it is necessary as it forms the crux of the entire story.

Unforgettable quotes from the movie + book:

“Now, no matter what the mullah teaches, there is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft. When you kill a man, you his wife’s right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal someone’s right to fairness. There is no act more wretched than stealing." Baba.

“A boy who won’t stand up for himself becomes a man who can’t stand up to anything.” Baba

“You have one more chance to be good.” Rahim Khan

“For you, a thousand times over!” (my favorite phrase; which summarizes the servant's heart of Hassan and demonstrates his loyalty to Amir)


Twas a wonderfully moving and touching movie. Watch it. Seriously.