Starring Zekiria Ebrahimi, Homayoun Ershadi.
Directed by Marc Forster
Before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Amir and Hassan are the closest of friends. Young Afghan boys fly kites, and Amir is good at it, but Hassan has the gift to find them when they fall - how he knows is uncertain, he just does; and he does it for Amir.
Trust is the central prop of Marc Forster’s (Finding Neverland) astonishing film. It’s something Hassan assumes, yet fate intervenes when, running a trophy kite, he is bailed up bullies. A future Taliban cadet rapes him just as his friend arrives. Hiding, Amir does nothing. Shamed by his cowardice, Amir’s guilt turns to anger, and he plots to ruin his friend’s life.
Afghanistan has produced some of the world’s most inspiring cinema: films that have the capacity to astound with their humanity and simplicity. Despite Western backing, The Kite Runner is no different, using the country’s recent turmoil as a backdrop to explore ethnic tension, sexual abuse, faith and redemption.
Forster opens up a thrilling line of suspense with the now grown-up Amir’s return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Risking his life for an old friend, Amir triggers a chain of events that reignites the trust he thought had been lost. It does so authentically, magnificently. It makes you want to fly a kite in celebration.
Starring Zekiria Ebrahimi, Homayoun Ershadi.
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