Taking a spring break with The Kite Runner

Oh no. The dreaded Spring Break is here. I have Monkey Boy and Boo Girl in a couple of Spring Break camps so I can have time for myself. It's only a few hours, which is enough time to stop by the library or local video rental store to grab a movie or two. I like to watch movies while I'm folding the laundry. Though with a movie like The Kite Runner, I find myself sitting on the bed, mesmerized and unable to much but watch.

Based on Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel The Kite Runner (paperback) (which is now on my "to read" list) , The Kite Runner DVD released this week from Paramount Home Entertainment. Directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland), the sweeping and emotional tale of friendship, betrayal and redemption received widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score, as well as Golden Globe nominations for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Score—Motion Picture.

The movie spans several decades and is set against the backdrop of first the Soviet invasion and then the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Talk about topical. You wonder if the Russians didn't invade, would we have experienced 9/11?

The movie has three parts. The first is set in Kabul, where The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir and Hassan, two boys who form a friendship (Hassan is a servant's son, while Amir is the son of a rich businessman.) Amir’s failure to defend Hassan against a brutal attack leads to crushing guilt and the boys’ ultimate separation.

The second part shows Amir and his father escaping the Soviet to come to America. This is the immigrant's tale part of the movie. You see how brave the father is. Plus you admire how he retains retains his dignity and the respect of his community even though he goes from a rich landowner to a gas station attendant. Amir realizes the American dream. He graduates college, finds an Afghan bride,  and becomes a successful author.

Still he has a foot in the old country - the third part of the movie. Amir is presented with an opportunity to redeem himself and become as brave as his father. He travels back to Afghanistan and rescues Hassan's son.

An excellent film that makes you realize that the Kite Runner book has to be even better. Can't wait to read it - maybe over summer break. (And thanks to Click Communications who sent me a review copy.)

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