The Kite Runner (PG-13, 2007)
common sense media says
Best seller-based drama has harrowing moments.
parents & educators say
- 33% say language is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this often-harrowing drama set primarily in Afghanistan focuses on children's experiences, the themes are mature. Children are repeatedly in peril, and there's a disturbing, though not explicit, scene in which a young boy is raped by older boys (close-ups of faces and a belt being unbuckled indicate what's going on). Several scenes show warfare (explosions, gunfire, bloody bodies) during the Soviet invasion; others depict Taliban oppression (a public stoning, beatings, taunting of civilians). One hanged body is visible on the street. A brief tirade features several uses of "f--k" in a row; other language includes "hell" and "damn."
Violence:
Central plot element is a homosexual rape (both victim and perpetrator are adolescent boys), briefly indicated by close-ups of a belt being unbuckled, pants pulled down, and the victim's face pressed against the ground. He looks frightened and pained, and his blood drips on the snow as he walks away. A bully threatens younger boys, a child uses a slingshot, and a boy throws pomegranates at his friend. War scenes include explosions, tanks, and soldiers with guns. A hanged man visible in the street, and kids throw rocks at each other. The Taliban stone a woman and man to death (mostly shown in long shot, but blood visible and it's very clear what's happening). Guns aimed at visitor. Fierce fistfight leaves participants bloodied and smashed. Hero appears with black eye, swollen face, and bloody face. Goat's head lies bloody in the dirt (cut off by Kabul butcher as part of routine preparation).
Sex:
Discussion of "giving" orphans to a local Taliban leader (for sexual reasons that are hinted at, but not discussed in any detail) in order to save the remaining children.
Language:
Language includes several uses of "f--k," plus occasional instances of "hell" and "goddamn." Derogatory/racist references to the "hazara" (who are from the Black Mountain of Hazara region and are mostly Shi'a muslims).
Consumerism:
References to U.S movies, like Bullitt, El Cid, The Magnificent Seven.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Frequent cigarette smoking, mostly by Amir's father. Some drinking at parties and a bar; a child serves drinks to adults at a party.
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Most useful reviews by all members
englishHW
adult
adult
Extraordinary
A story filled with loyalty and cruelty, love and respect. A story of Amir, the young narrator and the protagonist, who lives through the losses of pride and identity, tells a story of the turbulent and passionate times in Afghanistan and San Francisco after World War Two. Khaled Hosseini illustrates how family relationships, between father and son, and between brother and brother, can deal with guilt and forgiveness. Amir recalls his past, his childhood, the jolly times with his hazara, Hassan, until one day Amir’s whole world wipes around when his best friend Hassan progresses in another direction. And now during his adulthood, Amir must learn from his past and adjust his new life not in Afghanistan but in the United States.
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9hemmatip
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Bring yo' Kleenex. . . .
This is a very powerful brilliant movie.
Besides some implied rape and swearing, I think it would be good for 13 plus.
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tdcal
adult
adult
Powerful film....
This movie was remarkable. While difficult to watch at times, it gave a searingly honest picture of friendship...including blinding loyalty, joy, betrayal and ultimately forgiveness and redemption. My two sons, 14 and 17, both thought the movie was 'very good' but haunting. Lots to discuss afterward. I would recommend it to a mature 14 year old and up with a parent watching as well. If unsure, what it yourself first and then decide. The subtitles can be difficult to see on a regular sized TV so be prepared to pause (why the 4 stars, otherwise 5) Excellent filmmaking.
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Arii
adult
adult
The movie was not that great. I wept over the book, I was thrilled to find that they made a movie. When I saw it it was like "this is IT??" I was highly disappointed in the lack of emotions in this film.
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acpjr
adult
adult
Not a Dry in the Theatre
By far the best movie I have seen in years. Story of courage, honor and redemption told by superlative acting.
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Johnny J
adult
adult
An Inexcusable Cash In Using Notoriety
A cynical cash in of a book that was written, cynically, to cash in on certain notoriety, by a man in a already excellently paid profession. Inappropriately rated as PG-13 in the US & just as inappropriately rated as 12A in the UK...The people responsible for this should either get their heads examined or stop taking bribes imo. Let's make one thing clear: The rape scene is just that. A Rape Scene. It does NOT classify as "implied" on any level. A bit of a look & the touch of a belt buckle is "implied rape" - this movie goes WELL beyond that (the director actually wanted it to be MORE graphic still). There is NOTHING worthy of learning from watching this movie that can't be learned from a less offensive and more balanced source. Do yourself a fav & don't garner this junk with your attention. If you want to discuss rape with your offspring then, by all means, do so...don't leave half the job to these bozos! Rape is a horrific thing and (though, thankfully, I've not experienced it first hand), it is my feeling, that in order to convey the level of horror it brings with it to the youth, depicting it visually is not the way to go. Imo, the info should be put across verbally & it should be left to the mind to process...the mind can imagine & fill in the horror of it infinitely better than any film. I, personally, find the existence of this movie to be an insult to any poor 12 year old who might have gone thru this type of terrible experience. An awful movie.
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cjthecool
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Perfect for 10+
Im 11 i watched it last night on netflix amir shouldv'e helped his friend lol he was mean to him after and that's just sad great movie!
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am1408
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
a good movie but not for kids
its pretty good
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CloudIsC00L723
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Powerfull, complex, and violent. Older teens and up.
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