Review of The Kite Runner (2007) by Daveh. — 05 Jan 2008

This film is much better than many critics say. The story has a mythic quality to it, like a Greek tragedy transported to modern day. Another way to put it is, like Dickens, coincidence is used as metaphor for the mistakes and decisions we make on the spot, but almost instantly regret.

It is the story of a child of moral and physical weakness learning to be strong as a man. Let no one tell you this film isn't cinematic. The story happens in the interior lives of the characters, and could not work on a large canvas.

The performances are outstanding, and the score is very fine. This film has none of the inappropriate dazzle of Monster's Ball, and none of the archness that marred Finding Neverland. The fact is, I liked both of those films, but this one is Forster's must coherent work yet, and a riveting story besides.