The Kite Reader movie

NOTICE: don't read this entry if you have plan to read the book or currently reading it. spoilers ahead. you've been warned.


the movie is good but not great. or maybe i just expected much because the book is pretty awesome. for those of you who just watched the movie and didn't read the book, there are some scenes you missed.

here are some of the differences i noticed:

*** young Hassan is a harelip. and it was not seen in the movie.

*** character of Ali is less in the movie than in the book. Ali (Hassan's father) played a huge role for Amir since most of his childhood, he didn't have that good relationship with his own dad. in the movie, he is like just a plain servant and Hassan's father. that's it.

*** the scene where Amir goes back to Afghanistan to meet Rahim Khan. when Rahim Khan finally reveals all the secrets, Amir showed so much emotions in the book. he screamed and walked out of the house because of severe anger he had that time. in the movie... i didn't felt that intense emotion from Amir.

*** the letter of Hassan to Amir given by Rahim Khan during that meeting. Amir read the letter right there and then inside the house. in the movie, he read the letter outside in a place like restaurant.

*** this is the "biggest" missing part in the movie. it was not explained why Shorab does not talk at all when they reached America. i don't know if you noticed it when you watched the movie. but if you read the book, you'll know exactly why he does not. remember the scene where Amir woke up and chase Shorab and he saw that the kid goes inside the mosque? ok, fast forward. so Amir is planning to bring the kid to America and legally adopt him. but he encountered so many bumps in doing so. he can't produce the needed papers, he can't prove that he is indeed Shorab's uncle, and he somewhat like "steal" the kid to the Talibans. the last option consule gave him is to bring back Shorab in an orphanage and wait for 2 years until he can legally adopt the kid. he had no other choice. so he agreed and gently explain the idea to Shorab. and this disappoint the kid so much because days before this, he made it clear to Amir that he doesn't want to go back in an orphanage and he was excited for the new life that awaits him in America. the news devastates him causing him to commit suicide (at his young age). good thing Amir was able to rush him to the hospital and Shorab was saved. but the feelings didn't subside, instead, he told Amir if he only let him die. Shorab is emotionally broken. you have to understand Shorab's feelings of rejection due to status quo, being poor and him being an orphan. so from the day he got saved from that attempted suicide, he decided not to talk anymore. he remains quiet whatever happens. and.... that's the reason behind that silence of Shorab. a crucial part that movie missed.

overall, i still recommend to watch the movie. but be sure you also read the book. you won't regret. *two thumbs up*

again, everything written in this blog is just my personal thoughts and opinion.


Tashakor! (thank you)


xoxo