Classics: A Review of The Kite Runner By Lauren Ennis

 In 2003 the United States entered its second year in the War on Terror in Afghanistan and back home American readers fell in love with a story of family, friendship, betrayal, war, and redemption set against the tumultuous backdrop of Afghan history. The novel, The Kite Runner, soon found its way its way into book clubs and at the top of best-seller lists around the globe, sparking almost immediate speculation as to if and when it would be on the silver screen. In 2008 readers were treated to a film adaptation that was every bit as compelling, heart-wrenching, and inspiring as its source novel. For a viewing experience that will resonate long after its final credits reach for the skies with The Kite Runner.

"There is a way to be good again"

The story begins with writer Amir enjoying a life in the US that is far removed from his childhood in war-torn Afghanistan. His past returns to haunt him, however, when he receives a call from a family friend living in Pakistan. The film then flashes back to 1970's Kabul as Amir enjoys a life of privilege as the son of a wealthy and influential merchant. Young Amir is tormented by the loss of his mother and his distant relationship with his father, who views artistic and timid Amir as a disappointment. His constant companion is his best friend and family servant Hassan, an ethnic Hazara. While Hassan's socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and checkered family history make him an outcast amongst their peers his bravery, determination, and athleticism earn him the favor of Amir's father, leading Amir to see him as a rival. When tragedy strikes, Amir abandons Hassan and his ensuing guilt drives him to turn against his friend, whose presence serves a haunting reminder of his failure and shame. Eventually war drives the two apart as Amir and his father escape to the US during the Soviet invasion while Hassan and his father remain in Kabul. When the story returns to the present Amir learns that Hassan and his wife have been killed by the Taliban and the couple's son remains a prisoner of the terrorist regime. He then sets out for his childhood home determined to find Hassan's son and atone for his abandonment of both his best friend and his country.

The film brings both the best selling novel and the tumultuous history of modern Afghanistan to vivid life. The film aptly manages the difficult task of remaining faithful to its source material while offering viewing that will resonate with those unfamiliar with the novel.  Like the novel, the film strikes an ideal balance between the intimate and the epic as it relates Amir's personal journey towards redemption within the greater context of Afghanistan's complicated and bloody history. The film offers an unflinching portrait of a nation in turmoil through its depiction of Afghanistan's oppression under both Soviet occupation and the tyrannical rule of the Taliban. The film is equally frank in its portrayal of the actions of its characters and the impact of those actions decades later. The film particularly succeeds in its refusal to offer easy answers in its depiction of both a man and a country in crisis. The film's universal themes of friendship, redemption, and resilience continue to resonate over a decade after the film's release, while its depiction of the Taliban's depravity and brutality proves nothing short of devastating in the wake of the terror group's retaking of the country. The film's depiction of a legacy of betrayal and abandonment offers an eerie parallel to Washington's current betrayal and abandonment of both American citizens and international allies in Afghanistan and the consequences that will inevitably follow for generations to come. For an unforgettable journey through the streets of Kabul and into the depths of the human heart take to the skies with The Kite Runner.

The film brings both the streets of Kabul and Hosseini's novel to vibrant life thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Atossa Leoni infuses Amir's wife, Soraya, with warmth, intelligence, and charm. Ali Danish Bakhtyari hauntingly conveys the devastating trauma endured by Hassan's son, Sohrab. Elham Ehsas and Abdul Salaam Yusoufzai offer chilling portrayals of sadistic bully turned Taliban tyrant Assef. Shaun Toub lends an inspiring turn as Amir's understanding mentor, Rahim Khan. Nabi Tanha is the personification of decency in his performance as Ali. Homayoun Ershadi conveys strength, conviction, and charisma as Amir's beloved father, Agha Sahib. Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzac turns in a performance beyond his years in a wrenching portrayal of Hassan. Zekeria Ebrahimi and Khalid Abdalla expertly portray Amir's journey from to insecure boy to tormented man with depth and humanity.

 At once a unique coming of age story and a universal story of war, friendship, tyranny, and redemption The Kite Runner remains vital viewing nearly fifteen years after its release. Through its well written script the film takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through modern Afghanistan's turbulent history. The compelling performances of the cast bring the best selling novel to vibrant life and infuse each of the diverse characters with depth and complexity. The film portrays a hopeful message of redemption while simultaneously offering a searing indictment of the evils that follow when good men do nothing that remain strikingly relevant in the midst of today's conflicts. For viewing that resonate 'a thousand times over' join Amir and Hassan in The Kite Runner.

Let's go fly a kite and send it soaring!