Marc Forster has brought a lyricism and humanity to every film he has made (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland, Stranger Than Fiction) and his latest film is inhabited with endearing characters who will move audiences to tears. It is a story of the friendship between two Afghan boys who live in Kabul just before the Soviet invasion in 1979. Although Amir (Zekiria Ebrahimi) is the son of a wealthy professional man and Hassan (Ahamad Khan Mahmoodzada) is the son of his servant, they are best friends who are training for the annual kite flying competition. Guided by Hassan’s instructions, Amir actually flies the kite and Hassan is the kite runner who retrieves the kite when it plummets to the dusty earth. Neither boy had acted before, but they both have incredible screen presence.
After dramatic events happen at both national and personal levels, Amir and his father go to live in America. Twenty years later Amir returns, hoping to escape the shadow of guilt that has followed him while he was growing up and being educated in America. During this time Afghanistan has endured years of war and poverty and now under the iron-fisted rule of the Taliban, it is dangerous for Amir to return. A stranger in the country of his birth, Amir’s journey in search of redemption becomes a journey into the changed country of Afghanistan. Put this film on your must-see list for this year and make sure you have tissues in your pocket.
The Kite Runner (M) is directed by Marc Forster.
