Review of The Kite Runner (2007) by Neilr. — 14 Dec 2007

This is one of the most faithful literary adaptations I've ever seen, and virtually all performances are first-rate. While the script occasionally flags from some sentimentality, this hardly diminishes a story that is heartbreaking and ingeniously plotted.

Ideally, one would do well to read a good contemporary history of Afghanistan before reading any work of fiction set within the region, but barring that, the film stands well on its own. There may be a tendency among critics to pick away at the film because of its tie to a book that led the NYT Fiction List for so long.

This is a case, however, in which many critics have missed the boat. This genuine, heartfelt adaptation may actually open the hearts and minds of viewers to Afghanistan and its tortured history. The audience of which I was part, applauded and cheered at the close of our screening, so my hope is that word-of-mouth will help secure its reputation.

One of my favorite films of 2007.