The Pilgrimage

If you can catch it before it leaves the theatres, The Kite Runner would be two hours well-spent.  It is among the most moving films I have ever seen. 

The film is based on the beautifully written novel by Afghan writer Khaled Hosseini, and sticks close to the book.  (If you’ve been in Starbucks over the past year you’ve probably seen the book while waiting in line for your latte.)

Without giving everything away and ruining it for you, it is the story of two boys growing up in Afghanistan in the 1970’s.  Amir is the son of a progressive, westernized businessman in Kabul.  His best friend Hassan is the son of his father’s servant.  The boys who play these two roles are incredible. 

The film shows the suffering of the Afghan people, first under the Soviets and later under the Taliban.  The portrait of the evil and hypocrisy of the Taliban is harrowing.  Amir, who escaped with his father to America after the Soviet invasion in 1979, returns to his home country in 2000 on a mission.  I will say no more. 

But while historical events and regime changes are shown in The Kite Runner, that is really not the heart of the film.  It is full of themes that affect everyone.  It is about friendship and family, fear and courage, love, loss, and loyalty.  Your spirit will be stirred.  Check it out.

(Warning:  Even though the movie is only PG-13, it is not for young children.  There is some heartbreaking sexual abuse.)