Kite Runner, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +4 Content: +1/2

Shaun Toub, Kahlid Abdalla, Nasser Memarzia. Written By David Benioff. Directed by Marc Forster.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Based on the acclaimed novel, The Kite Runner is a profoundly emotional tale of friendship, family, devastating mistakes and redeeming love. In a divided country on the verge of war, two childhood best friends, Amir and Hassan, are about to be torn apart forever. Its a glorious afternoon in Kabul and the skies are bursting with the exhilarating joy of an innocent kite-fighting tournament. But in the aftermath of the days victory, one boys fearful act of betrayal will set in motion a catastrophe and an epic quest for redemption. Now, after 20 years of living in America, Amir returns to a perilous Afghanistan under the Talibans iron-fisted rule to face the dark secrets that still haunt him and take one last daring chance to set things right.

PREVIEW REVIEW: This isnt a family-outing movie. Its not for kids, not with its adult subject matter, which ranges from wartime atrocities to the sexual abuse of a child. But it may be the most moving film Ive seen concerning the nature of true friendship. Christ spoke of such friendship, the kind willing to lay down ones own life for another. And just when you think good storytelling is dead, (many producers having turned to special effects and car chases in order to further plot-development), along comes a grownup adventure, one that puts a face on people of another land and reminds us of just how much we have in America.

Its sometimes difficult to view, but sometimes those are the scenes we learn the most from about the world and ourselves. Nothing is done to be exploitive, and even the most brutal moments are handled with far more discretion than most filmmakers would apply.

One of the most powerful films of the year, The Kite Runner is storytelling at its best.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Paramount Vantage