A Tale of Friendship and Political Upheaval
"The Kite Runner" is epic in scope, telling the story of the Afghani Amir against political upheavals in his native country, his growing up, and eventual immigration to the United States.  The film is bookended by the present-day Amir (Khalid Abdalla), a successful writer, and is told as an extended flashback to Afghanistan before and during the Russian invasion.<br /> Young Amir (Zekeria Ebrahimi) grows up with his best friend, Hassan (Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada), who has been taken in by his wealthy father, Baba (Homayoun Ershadi).  Hassan is from a provincial tribe apart from the mainstream Muslim practitioners who would eventually become the ruling Taliban.  Though he is constantly bullied, Hassan is always ready to defend his timid friend Amir.<br /> After a brutal assault on Hassan, which Amir witnesses but is too frightened to come to Hassan's aid, the relationship between the two friends changes.  The country is shortly thereafter invaded by the Russians, and Amir and his family begin a frightening attempt to elude the invaders and get out of Afghanistan.<br /> Based on the novel by Khalid Hosseini, "The Kite Runner" is a captivating story about friendship, family, how war creates personal turmoil, and how events experienced at a young age follow one and mold him into the adult he becomes.  Director Marc Forster ("Monster's Ball," "Finding Neverland") structures his film like a three-act play.  The first third is the richest as he shows us the wonderful relationship of the two young friends, who become the reigning neighborhood kite-flying team.  Amir controls the kite, attempting to cut the string of other boys' kites.  When he succeeds, Hassan -- the kite runner -- darts through narrow streets to retrieve the stringless kite as a trophy.  The scenes of kite flying, enhanced by a bit of computer magic, metaphorically underscore the innocence and freedom of childhood.  This is the boys' life and joy.  The concerns of adulthood ae not theirs and some dark secrets are still well hidden.<br /> When the Russians invade Afghanistan, the film shifts into its second act and follows Amir and his father's escape from Afghanistan to Pakistan, their subsequent immigration to America, and Amir's coming of age.<br /> The final act brings Amir back to Taliban-run Afghanistan on a quest he must not avoid.  In this part of the film, there are several significant revelations made, both to Amir and the audience.<br /> The two young actors who dominate the early part of the film are extraordinary, and turn in extremely affecting performances.  Much of the success of the film is owed to them, since they beautifully connect with the viewer, elicit empathy, and involve us.  Rarely, from children this young, do we see such high-level, competent acting.  We never for a moment see the performances as anything but real.<br /> Ershadi, as Baba, is also exceptional.  Whether he is criticizing religious fanatics, cursing communism, watching his son compete successfully in kite flying, or imperiling his own life by standing up for the honor of a stranger, he conveys dignity, courage, and arrogance, as required, making his Baba a well developed, if flawed, character.<br /> Because the adult Amir is a low-key and laid back, Adballa succeeeds in the tough task of making us care about him.  His journey -- both emotional and physical -- changes him and is as enlightening for him as it is dangerous.  This Amir is not a hero in the usual Hollywood sense, but a man who comes to terms with demons of the past, attempts to exorcise them, and develops inner courage in the process.<br /> Rated PG-13 for strong thematic material, violence, and strong language, "The Kite Runner" is a gripping film that you won't easily forget.  Its subject matter is substantial and its background of war-torn 1970's Afghanistan and its unfolding story over many years give it a sweeping, epic feel.  It is impeccably directed, and its cast completely effective in portraying complex, multifaceted characters.
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 {"Is Discontinued By Manufacturer": "No", "MPAA rating": "PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)", "Product Dimensions": "0.57 x 5.35 x 7.53 inches; 4 Ounces", "Item model number": "117974", "Director": "Marc Forster", "Media Format": "Multiple Formats, AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC", "Run time": "2 hours and 8 minutes", "Release date": "March 25, 2008", "Actors": "Khalid Abdalla, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub, Sayed Jafar Masihullah Gharibzada, Igbal Theba", "Dubbed": "Spanish, French", "Subtitles": "English, French, Spanish", "Language": "English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)", "Studio": "Dreamworks Video", "Number of discs": "1"}

Here is a brief synopsis of the title : Amir is a young Afghani from a well-to-do Kabul family; his best friend Hassan is the son of a family servant. Together the two boys form a bond of friendship that breaks tragically on one fateful day, when Amir fails to save his friend from brutal neighborhood bullies. Amir and Hassan become separated, and as first the Soviets and then the Taliban seize control of Afghanistan, Amir and his father escape to the United States to pursue a new life. Years later, Amir  now an accomplished author living in San Francisco  is called back to Kabul to right the wrongs he and his father committed years ago..