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The Kite Runner
In theaters December 14th 2007
Strong thematic material including the rape of a child,
violence and brief strong language
Run Time: 121 min
Matt's rating - 4.5
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Review by Matt Mungle
Every now and then a film comes along that captures
the true essence of personal redemption. We all know
what it is like to fail miserably. The statement, all have
sinned and fall short, is exact and unwavering. The
problem is that none of us ever get the opportunity to
make it up to those we sinned against. Sure we can
apologize and cause no future wrong, but that is the
normal limit. In The Kite Runner the main character
gets the chance to "be good again" and it is a
passionate story of that journey. Filled with Oscar
winning performances The Kite Runner soars higher
than any foreign language film in years.
The story covers 20 years or so in the life of Amir
(Khalid Abdalla) from his early days in Afghanistan to
his current life in the states. As he reflects back on his
childhood and his best friend Hassan (Ahmad Khan
Mahmidzada) we see a tale of friendship, loyalty and
betrayal. Hassan is the son of Amir's father's servant
and the young boys spend their days flying kites in
their peaceful hometown. Due to wars both personal
and political they are soon separated and we pick up
the story in later years with Amir having to return to a
Taliban ruled Afghanistan in order to save the son of
his childhood friend. Along the way we get a brilliant
look at a culture much different than our own. From
Amir and his fathers escape to Pakistan to flee the
Russian invasion, to the ceremony of courtship and
marriage.
This film is brilliantly written and the acting is flawless.
The young Hassan will capture your heart from scene
to scene. The cast includes many unknowns to
American audiences yet each one delivers a
memorable performance. The cinematography too is
well done. From the Afghanistan in the 70's to the
modern day Taliban-affected country each location
adds a feel and element to the story. You sense the
same dejection that Amir does as you see a
homeland desolate and far removed from what it once
was. I found myself thinking of how blessed we are in
the states and what a privilege it is to offer a haven to
those who have no hope.
The Kite Runner is Rated PG-13 for strong thematic
material including the rape of a child, violence and
brief strong language. Keep in mind that this film is
not made to offend but to tell a story. Of lives destroyed
yet given a chance for renewal. The themes are heavy
and the film is 90% subtitles so younger viewers may
have a hard time keeping up. For the rest it is a soul
stirring film and a must see. I give the Kite Runner 4.5
out of 5. It drags ever so slightly at the end and just a
tick over two hours feels long. But that is no reason to
not see this near perfect movie. Do not allow terms
like arty, foreign and subtitles keep you from
experiencing this story. You will certainly enjoy it, a
thousand times over.
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Mungleshow Productions
Matt Mungle
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