A powerful, moving story which packs an emotional punch. The ordinary Afghani peoples' innate moral code of honour, dignity, and respect is usurped by the tyrannical, hypocritical religious zealotry of the Taliban. The director Marc Forster, with great skill, succeeds in capturing all the horror of their regime with just a few well-chosen scenes.
He shows us the Afghanistan of 1978, where family bonds are strong, where food is plentiful and children play happily in the streets, their eyes riveted on their kites as they crisscross the sky.
By 2000 things have changed. Afghanistan has been devastated firstly by the Soviet invasion, and secondly by the ruthless imposition of extreme Islamic law under the rule of the Taliban. Even kite flying has been banned and there are regular "beard patrols" to ensure all men retrain their face hair. The desperate plight of the local people, especially the children is strikingly depicted in the harrowing orphanage scene, where the full extent of the damage hits home.
But this is not a film about Afghanistan. It is the story of two inseparable boyhood friends whose difference in social standing is not reflected in their individual moral codes. One (Hassan) is brave, loyal and respectful, the other (Amir) is cowardly, fickle and devious. The servant is more worthy than the master Moreover, Amir's own weaknesses are thrown into sharp relief by the outstanding courage of his role model, his father, who bravely stands up for what is right, with no concern for his personal safety. Haunted for over twenty years by the secret shame of betraying his friend, Amir eventually gets a chance to redeem his honour, but to do this he must return to Kabul. The journey is dangerous and will demand great courage - not a quality he has demonstrated much of so far.
Will Amir succeed in his quest? Will he succeed in being like his father and stand up for what is right? Will he finally prove himself worthy of the respect and loyalty bestowed upon him by his boyhood friend?
This is real-world cinema at its best. There is none of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. There are no big name movie stars and the film is the better for it. This is a real-life drama; a strong, human story told superbly well. The direction from Marc Forster is outstanding, The casting is perfect. The acting is utterly convincing. The script from David Benioff is first-rate.
A magnificent, compelling film of a prolonged emotional intensity, this is one not to be missed.
Give it an Oscar? I would if I could. Give it 10/10? I can, and I do!
He shows us the Afghanistan of 1978, where family bonds are strong, where food is plentiful and children play happily in the streets, their eyes riveted on their kites as they crisscross the sky.
By 2000 things have changed. Afghanistan has been devastated firstly by the Soviet invasion, and secondly by the ruthless imposition of extreme Islamic law under the rule of the Taliban. Even kite flying has been banned and there are regular "beard patrols" to ensure all men retrain their face hair. The desperate plight of the local people, especially the children is strikingly depicted in the harrowing orphanage scene, where the full extent of the damage hits home.
But this is not a film about Afghanistan. It is the story of two inseparable boyhood friends whose difference in social standing is not reflected in their individual moral codes. One (Hassan) is brave, loyal and respectful, the other (Amir) is cowardly, fickle and devious. The servant is more worthy than the master Moreover, Amir's own weaknesses are thrown into sharp relief by the outstanding courage of his role model, his father, who bravely stands up for what is right, with no concern for his personal safety. Haunted for over twenty years by the secret shame of betraying his friend, Amir eventually gets a chance to redeem his honour, but to do this he must return to Kabul. The journey is dangerous and will demand great courage - not a quality he has demonstrated much of so far.
Will Amir succeed in his quest? Will he succeed in being like his father and stand up for what is right? Will he finally prove himself worthy of the respect and loyalty bestowed upon him by his boyhood friend?
This is real-world cinema at its best. There is none of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. There are no big name movie stars and the film is the better for it. This is a real-life drama; a strong, human story told superbly well. The direction from Marc Forster is outstanding, The casting is perfect. The acting is utterly convincing. The script from David Benioff is first-rate.
A magnificent, compelling film of a prolonged emotional intensity, this is one not to be missed.
Give it an Oscar? I would if I could. Give it 10/10? I can, and I do!