THE KITE RUNNER K@W

Theory Of Knowledge
Knowledge @ Work

The Kite Runner
The Movie
The Kite Runner is a motion picture set in the Pre-Taliban Afghanistani pandemonium based on Khaled Hussaini's book of the same name. It is emotionally extremely evocative, and the very essence of the film lies in the way even the harshest of scenes are displayed with the subtle touch of innocence. The story is set upon a backdrop of tempestous events, from the demise of the monarchy in Afghanistan through the soviet invasion , the mass departure of "Afghan refugees"Pakistan and the United States, and the treacherous Taliban regime. It elucidates the tale of Amir, a rich boy from Kabul, who is anguished by the guilt of dispensing his childhood friend Hassan, a hazara boy, who, incidentally is the illegitimate son of his Amir's father.
Through out the movie, one's (the knower) perception of Amir as the protagonist is under constant modifications. As a child, Amir, though best friends with Hassan, abandons him when he needs Amir's help the most. The viewer perceives Amir as a rich kid, who only takes undue advantage of Hassan. The intense physical language demonstrated in the film especially through the rape scene has a stinging effect on the viewer's perception of both Amir and Hassan. But as time progresses, and Amir grows up to become a writer in the United States Of America, his character is regenerated to give way to a mature and reasonable young man. "There is a time to be good again": Amir goes back to afghanistan to rescue Hassan;s life. The viewer, thus in the end, leaves the theater with a positive perception of Amir. But can one's wrong deeds be truly undone by right ones. This is the question which each knower can answer through only his or her own perception and reasons.
The Taliban rule in Afghanistan in the film is also perceived as an inhuman and intolerant regime. They reasoned everything with their own perceptions of the Quran and the Islamic religion. The graphic scenes of punishments by the rulers through public stoning ceremonies evoke feelings of extreme anger and sympathy. Since the film is based on actual historical events, one could always argue that the film has a pro-American and anti-Taliban perception towards the history of Afghanistan. But one cannot neglect the cruel atrocities of the Taliban leaders on the locals. The mere thought of molesting children from an orphanage incenses the emotions of the viewer. One can only argue about the ethical nature of the orphanage manager to sacrifice one child to save another ten. After all, we only need to imagine the plight of the sacrificed child to understand the complexities behind such a decision.
The kite Runner is one of the most emotionally evocative movies. But even in a movie with such dramatic events, the climactic scene of the flying kites adds a whole new dimension to the subtlety of the film. Amir runs the kite for Hassan's child, just like Hassan used to when they were young. Amir's dialogue;"For you, a hundred times over", is one of the most soothing yet evocative instances in the film. Even after witnessing all the atrocities, the hardships, the unfortunate incidents, especially with Hassan, the viewer leaves the theater with a gratified feeling.