March 19, 2009

Books on Screen: The Kite Runner

Written by Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books)

Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner is such a beautiful story. I read the book a year and a half ago, which sets me up perfectly to enjoy an on-screen adaptation of the book (My recipe for success in this area? Read book. Love book so much that I want more. Let time pass — at least a year — so that the details of the book have softened in my mind. Watch movie.). For more details about the story if you are unfamiliar with it, please read my review of the book.

I didn't rush to watch the movie for the same reason I hesitated to read the book — it's a tough story dealing with the pain of regret. But once I started reading the book, I was drawn in by the beautiful language and heart-felt story.

In a similar way, the film is so visually appealing that it drew me in right away. Watching the movie — already knowing the story from the novel — gave it an even greater effect. The weight of Amir's bad choices just hang in the air, since I know what's going to happen. However, seeing it play out on screen, I had a slightly different reaction. Hassan's loyalty seems more real and less of an archetype. Amir's youth and insecurity is more readily understood. As time passes, watching Amir's persistence and sacrifice to right his past wrongs gave me the same emotional reaction that the story of redemption in the book evoked.

If you've avoided this story because of its difficult content, I recommend this movie to you. You'll get a taste of the story, but in a two-hour chunk with an uplifting ending, as opposed to having to invest in reading 400 pages — 400 beautifully written pages — but nonetheless. . . . On that note, I have to say that you will be reading a fair bit if you watch the movie. Most of it is subtitled, and this surprised me, even though I knew that the majority of it took place in Afghanistan.

It is not a story without hope. As the movie highlights "There is a way to be good again." The movie's ending is a bit happier than the book's, not because anything material is changed, but because some of the details are left out. Some of you will like that.

Watching the movie has made me want to read the book again, and I'm sure that I will at some point, but for now, I think it's encouraged me to finally read A Thousand Splendid Suns (I stated this same intent in my book review over a year and a half ago, but I kept delaying, and as always happens, other books got in the way, but will you believe me now if I say I really, really plan to read it?). Khalid Hosseini is a beautiful storyteller.

In honor of the release of this movie (rated PG-13) in Blu-Ray format, I have one Kite Runner Blu-Ray DVD to give away (U.S. or Canadian shipping addresses).

It truly is a beautiful movie — the type that plays out wonderfully in high-definition format. There are also some great special features, including interviews with the director and the author of the book, which I enjoyed. Khaled Hosseini is even featured in the commentary on the movie (that I haven't watched yet), which shows his active role in adapting his book to the screen.

He's pleased with the movie. Yes, there is a lot cut out, but there are no significant changes, so even book purists will probably be pleased with this movie.

Just leave a comment if you'd like to win, and I'll announce the winner on April 1.

In addition to books, managing editor Jennifer Donovan, loves a good story as told via a movie or TV series, which she most often enjoys on DVD. She blogs at Snapshot about life with her tween daughter and preschool son.

Filed under Books on Screen, Fiction, Jennifer, Literary by Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books)

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145 Comments

Comments on Books on Screen: The Kite Runner

March 19, 2009

Maria @ 9:32 am

I loved this book as well. It is not the type of book I normally read but it was highly recommended to me. I got my best friend to finally read it and she loved it as well. In my opinion, the movie was well done. My husband watched the movie but did not read the book. He enjoyed the movie and I told him he'd really love the book! Any news of a movie being made from A Thousand Splendid Suns? That was also a fascinating read!

Lauren@Baseballs&Bows @ 9:52 am

I would like to see this (not from the giveaway, of course). I encourage you to read A Thousand Splendid Suns. I liked* it even more than the Kite Runner, possibly because it is the story of women in Afganistan. I recommend it!

*Like isn't really the appropriate word for this kind of story, but I consider it well worth the read.

Ms Ulat Buku @ 9:56 am

I liked this book too but haven't had a chance to catch the movie. Thanks for sharing though, will probably get myself a copy on DVD.

Janna Padilla @ 11:20 am

I would love to win this!

DeSeRt RoSe @ 11:57 am

I liked the book and have the movie but didn't see it yet.. please do not enter me in the giveaway..
i just wanted to say I love your review

Mark @ 12:53 pm

Not my normal book or movie, but I did enjoy them. I read A Thousand Splendid Suns first and enjoyed it so much more.

Nancy Talan @ 1:06 pm

I already own the movie so no need to enter me in the giveaway, but I wanted to say that like Lauren, I LOVED A Thousand Splendid Suns, more than The Kite Runner. Equally difficult to read, also such it was a beautifully written story. I also think I liked it more because it was about the women in Afghanistan. You must read it soon!

gahome2mom @ 3:10 pm

I was just adding the Blog Party button on my site then your book giveaway came in the email. lol Thank you for the contests.

Angie @ 3:33 pm

I'd love to win it!

Anne @ 3:36 pm

I would love to win this movie! I have seen it once and I haven't cried so much watching a movie in a long while!

We would love to have a copy!

Thanks

edj @ 4:03 pm

I LOVED this book and I really liked the movie too; I would love to have a copy.

And you'll really enjoy "1000 Splendid Suns" too.

Karen B @ 4:35 pm

I haven't read the book or seen the movie yet but both are on my to-do lists. Would love to win!

Katrina @ Callapidder Days @ 4:44 pm

Thanks for this review. I read the book and, though it was hard (emotionally) to read at times, I really liked it — for the story, the language. I haven't seen the movie yet, though, for the same reasons you mention. Not sure I'm ready for it yet, but one of these days…

March 20, 2009

Dawn @ 2:12 pm

Oh Jennifer, I LOVED this book, and quite honestly, I think I forgot that it was made into a movie! I think I'll give the movie a shot, because it's been quite a while since I read the book, and my memory is not all that good anyway.

susan varney @ 7:47 pm

yes i sure would like to win

Catherine copeland @ 8:11 pm

this was an amazing book and i just loved it. it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time

Denise @ 8:28 pm

I always wanted to see this movie, but I haven't yet.

Michael Capp @ 8:59 pm

I'd love to win!

colten edwards @ 9:26 pm

love my blueray machine and don't have nearly enough to watch on it

Meredith Rogen @ 9:36 pm

Great book & movie!

Mary Newland @ 9:38 pm

I downloaded this book to my mp3. It was a very touching story and well written.

sandy @ 9:45 pm

looks like a terrific story…

C. clemens @ 10:20 pm

bet its a great movie. we just got a new blueray!

Danielle @ 10:22 pm

I would love to win this movie. I am getting the book from the library tomorrow!

Linda Chaput @ 11:25 pm

I read the book and loved it.I hope the movie is as good.

March 21, 2009

Jeffrey Beckett @ 12:02 am

Sign me up please!

Mary D @ 12:06 am

Please enter me to win – thanx

PATRIC KRUEGER @ 4:30 am

The book is great and the movie is also great.

Cynthia C @ 6:21 am

I have read the book, but haven't yet seen the movie. Thanks for the chance to win.

adrienne Gordon @ 7:15 am

great movie

Amber G @ 8:05 am

Please enter me – read the book but have not yet seen the movie.

DebbLou @ 8:43 am

I read this book and loved it… haven't seen the movie yet… would love to win the movie

thanks

debbebennett at yahoo dot com

Tracey Byram @ 8:52 am

I would enjoy watching this movie.

Christina Brunetti @ 9:11 am

I would love to have this.

Thanks

Sylvia Belle @ 9:15 am

I read the book but would like the prize.

Teresa @ 12:04 pm

Look's good!

Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) @ 2:05 pm

I'd love to watch this *Thanks* for the giveaway!

Angela J @ 2:06 pm

Great movie, would like it in our collection

mindy @ 3:16 pm

nice movie thanks for the giveaway

Lucy Schwartz @ 5:46 pm

I too put off reading the book, but it is worth reading . I liked the book better because I really got a better understanding of the country and culture. Afghanistan is not a far away unknown rocky country with primitive people. My husband did not read the book but appreciated the movie.

Jennifer B. @ 6:20 pm

I have wanted to see this movie. It looks quite inspiring.

Jenn Elliott @ 8:25 pm

This would be awesome. Kite Runner is in the top 10 books I have ever read.

Nicole C. @ 9:19 pm

I loved this book and haven't had the chance to see the movie yet!!!!

Djp @ 9:30 pm

a good win

Anita Yancey @ 9:40 pm

I have heard a lot about the book. I would love to read it. Please enter me.

Susan Smith @ 9:58 pm

Looks like a good movie

ellen cunningham @ 10:18 pm

I'd like to have a movie night with this dvd. Thanks for the chance.

Jamie Z @ 10:36 pm

I just read this book last month and it was amazing. i am currently reading 100 Splendid Suns and it is equally as brilliant. I would love to see this movie.

Toby @ 11:54 pm

I saw the movie and it was excellent. I would love to own a copy. Great prize!

David @ 11:55 pm

I haven't seen this yet, thanks for the giveaway.

March 22, 2009

Catherine @ 1:47 am

Thanx for the contest

Christina G. @ 2:02 am

Thanks for the giveaway!

Janna Johnson @ 2:27 am

Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!

Janna Johnson
janna@FeedYourPigBlog.com
http://www.FeedYourPigBlog.com

Monique Rizzo @ 3:20 am

Wonderful movie! Thanks for the chance.

mogrill@comcast.net

MIKE @ 4:35 am

The book scared me. I was worried about the main character. Especially when he returned to his hometown. Good movie too.

Donna R @ 12:31 pm

I've never seen this movie or read the book. I'd like to though. Thanks for the contest.

Pamela S @ 3:22 pm

I loved this book and look forward to seeing this movie. Thanks.

JIMMY @ 3:55 pm

this is sad story.

March 23, 2009

Michelle @ 12:02 am

I love the book and am still wanting to see the movie

yzgirl4[at]verizon[dot]net

gc @ 9:04 am

this is great!

Martha H. @ 9:11 am

I would like to see this movie.

Kim @ 10:53 am

I would love to win this!

Jason Nickolay @ 4:17 pm

I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance

Randall Busby @ 7:19 pm

Loved the movie at the theater, just think it would require blu-ray to do it justice at home. Thanks so much. r

Kathy D @ 8:48 pm

really wnated to see this one

Jacob LaFountaine @ 10:39 pm

I'd like to see this on blu-ray

Erica C. @ 11:12 pm

I'd love to see it!

Sarah Stern @ 11:13 pm

Looks like a great one!

March 24, 2009

sarah h @ 10:43 am

Haven't seen this yet, but would like to.

James Jenkins @ 10:59 am

wow

cris @ 1:11 pm

Would love to see this–

Ken Robinson @ 1:26 pm

My sister would love this. Please accept my entry. Thank you

dianne @ 1:32 pm

I heard this was a facinating movie. I'd love to own it.

Denyse @ 1:58 pm

I'd be thrilled to own this and add it to my DVD collection.

jayne @ 4:39 pm

I would love to add this movie to my collection!

Karen Gonyea @ 8:30 pm

I'd love this

March 25, 2009

Annmarie @ 10:29 am

I have heard so much about this book – most of my friends have read it – and I've thought about reading it so many times. But I've always ended up picking up something else instead. This would probably give me that extra incentive to just read it!!

sarah @ 2:48 pm

enter me!

Dave @ 10:27 pm

I've read so many great reviews of this film, I would love to see it. Thank you for the chance to win.

March 26, 2009

Molly Capel @ 7:23 am

This book was really good, would love to see the movie.

Michael Kuntz @ 12:09 pm

I would also love to win this. I rented the movie awhile back and thought it was amazing. Now that I have a blu-ray player it would be awesome to see it again and actually own it!

Joseph Stowell @ 8:18 pm

I would like to win!

Gabriel Jolivet @ 11:22 pm

Please, enter me, great prize!!! I would love to win this.

March 27, 2009

James Nickerson @ 12:21 pm

I've read the book but have not seen the movie. Thanks for this great giveaway! Would like to win and compare.

KarenPr @ 2:33 pm

Thanks for the contest, please enter me.

Miriam Tisdel @ 3:22 pm

I would love to see this movie with my kids. It looks like a great movie.

sandra @ 3:36 pm

please enter me

ky2here @ 5:25 pm

This movie was emotionally genuine and extremely well edited and portrayed. What an excellent story of loyalty and friendship.

Daniel M @ 6:24 pm

looks like a good one, i wanna win!

Sara Amos @ 7:48 pm

I would like to win

Ro @ 8:29 pm

Thank you for the opportunity to win this

Jennifer Hedden @ 10:07 pm

enter me

March 28, 2009

Jay F. @ 12:56 am

Amazon keeps this book on top of the recommendations for me, but I'd like the movie.

Adrian Lamont @ 1:10 am

Sounds like a great read, please count me in.

Ed Nemmers @ 4:18 pm

Happy Weekend!

Kristen B @ 4:55 pm

Excellent book – would like to see the movie.

Hesper F @ 6:33 pm

I read the book and loved it! I have never seen the movie, but would love to!

jaded081 @ 7:46 pm

My son is a fanatic, he would love the blu ray. Please enter me

Tim @ 7:53 pm

love to see this movie!

Kym Ellis @ 8:41 pm

Would really love to win this.

March 29, 2009

Jill Myrick @ 2:08 am

After reading your review of this movie I can honestly say that I would love to see this movie.
It sounds as if it something that I would truly enjoy.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.

Kyndra Sherman @ 3:34 am

My mom read the book and if I win this I'll definately re-gift it to her. We could watch it together. Thanks for the Kiterunner giveaway.

themeimlookingfor at yahoo dot com

Sheila Veit @ 9:29 am

would love to win this

veronica sandberg @ 11:23 am

want to win this

Lee Taylor @ 11:30 am

I read the book and 'loved it'! Th movie was also 'great'! Would love to win a copy of the film to add to my dvd collection!

Thanks for the 'wonderful' giveaway offering!

Good luck to all!

leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com

Carrie Baird @ 12:02 pm

I have not read the book yet, but I believe I will now. Thanks for the chance to win the movie! wgbc1446[at]yahoo[dot]com

djgroz @ 12:40 pm

Thanks for the nice contest. I would love to win it!

lorene @ 2:03 pm

I loved this book but, I never did get to see the movie

Betty C @ 3:19 pm

I still haven't read the book or seen the movie. I'm hesitant to read something I think may depress me. However, your comments make me want to see the story for myself.

Lori Walker @ 5:02 pm

I'd love to win, thanks

christopher h @ 5:10 pm

i'd love to win this

Andria @ 5:39 pm

I would love a chance to win. Thank you.

Candie L @ 6:20 pm

Please add my name to the mix. I have heard a lot about this movie. Thank you

Jessica Kaufman @ 8:09 pm

I would love to win this…THanks

Tom @ 8:27 pm

Thanks for this great giveaway!

Pat Connors @ 8:39 pm

I would like to win. Thank you.

Linz @ 9:04 pm

I have read the book the Kite Runner (really enjoyed it) but I have not yet watched the movie. Would love to win this giveaway to get the chance. Another interesing book to read if you enjoyed the Kite Runner is "The Bookseller of Kabul" by Asne Seierstad. I couldnt put the book down and I am sure you will enjoy the read.

John Urbigkeit @ 9:14 pm

I have not seen the movie or read the book. I think I would like it. Cool Website good information..

Carla Pullum @ 10:01 pm

Love to add this to the family collection!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

R Hicks @ 10:49 pm

This looks like a very good read

Melanie @ 11:16 pm

I have been wanting to see this for some time,
I saw the preview when I went to see another movie, and it was very moving and touching.

Robert R @ 11:19 pm

I'm not a big reader but i was convinced to read this book and was one of the best i've ever read…have not yet seen the movie…would love this on blu-ray

March 30, 2009