Fair 66° F

Home > Archive > Feb 7, 2008

Two Limited Release Films Share Common Ground
By Ann Staples
Two little movies with big things in common are the topic of this review. “The Kite Runner” and Persepolis” share limited theater releases, small category Academy Award nominations (Music Score for “The Kite Runner” and Best Animated Film for “Persepolis”, nominations and accolades in other movie organizations, and stories that take place in the Middle East that involve young children that suffer from the ravages of war).
“The Kite Runner”, rated PG-13, is based on the best-selling book by Khaled Hosseini. It is difficult to see a movie taken from a book if you have already read it.
I did, and it was hard to give up the expectation of wanting all the details to be put in the movie version.  Still, it was worth going to.
Two boys from Afghanistan, Amir and Hassan, share many things. They live on the same property, play together, are both only children being raised by single fathers, and enjoy a friendship that defies culture and class differences.
That is when they were very young. One crucial day changes the course of their friendship and adult lives forever.
Amir is the kite flyer and Hassan is the runner who chases it down. As Hassan hunts down Amir’s kite in the back alleys of Kabul he is attacked by cruel boys who want to put this sweet little boy in his place.
In a brutal rape, which you don’t actually see, Hassan keeps his dignity hopes to keep his place in Amir’s life.
Sadly, as Amir tries to find Hassan and the kite he actually witnesses the attack. Amir’s fear overtakes him, so he hides in the shadows as he watches his best friend and their friendship take a terrible turn. By choosing not to step in and stop the situation Amir is the one suffers emotionally the rest of his life.
There are huge differences between the boys. Amir lives in the fancy house with his wealthy and prestigious father. Hassan lives in the servant’s quarters with his father. They come from opposite social classes that society has forced upon them.
Amir ruins it all by himself as he is riddled with guilt about not saving Hassan that day. It creates a war within his own heart and mind, while at the same time a war is breaking out in Afghanistan that also changes their lives.
“The Kite Runner” takes us from boyhood play to Amir’s adult life in America. He and his father, Baba, had to flee their country and leave their riches and their standing in the community behind in exchange for freedom.
Amir finds the love of his life, but is haunted by what happened to his little friend. We are shown the brutalities of war in the Middle East and the consequences of a government war and the personal war in a person’s heart.
There is no winning, but Amir finds a way to heal in the only way that he can. This is a difficult and emotional look at the innocent people who are hurt by both kinds of war.
I liked the movie enough to give it a “B+,” but advise you to also read the book for the full story. 
“Persepolis” is a very unique movie and so worth seeing if you happen to find yourself in a larger city. I saw it at The Broadway Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. This refreshing creation is done in 2-dimentional hand-drawn animation in mostly black and white.
It was curiosity that led me to see this film. It is written and directed by Iranian Marjane Satrapi and French Vincent Paronnaud and is based on Marjane’s life.
It is not only told with a stark artistic visual style, but with the lovely sounds of French with English subtitles that are quick and easy to read.
I promise that if you give it a chance you will be taken in and forget that you are reading, watching, and listening all at the same time. It flows nicely and compliments the story.
French actress Chiara Mastroianni voices the adult Marjane. Her very own mother, internationally famous actress Catherine Deneuve, voices Marjane’s mother.
Marjane is an Iranian 9-year-old girl with loving parents who teach her to be strong and independent. She is encouraged to speak her mind. Those traits do not fit well as the war erupts between Iran and Iraq.
She is exposed to violence and injustice. As their homeland changes Marjane’s parents send the now 14 year old to Austria for safety and an education.
She must face the struggles of these critical years alone and afraid. Like a typical teen she tries to find a place to fit in and belong. Mistakes are made, but she survives.
Homesick, she finally returns home at the sacrifice of her freedoms as a female. Iran has a new and worse government with terrible human rights laws, especially for the women. Marjane realizes that her old country and way of life will never be the same. With heartbreak she leaves for France to find a different way to live.
There are several treats in this special film. Marjane has a wonderful relationship with her wise grandmother that carries her through the hard times. The style of this movie is different and attention grabbing.
Like “The Kite Runner” it shows us life in restricted countries that confine wonderful families that are just like us. I must mention that there are two movies in the Oscar list that in an unusual turn involve smart teenage girls who face tough times and circumstances.
“Persepolis” and “Juno” are worth seeing with your own teen girls to open conversation about life and what they face. With “The Kite Runner” and “Persepolis” you see how much we take our freedom for granted in America and that we should be mindful of those who have no choice in how they are ruled.
I give “Persepolis” a creative “A.” Until next time … Save me a seat!
Ann Staples is a St. George resident who has reviewed movies for KCSG, KONY 99.9 FM, and KDXU 890 AM. She is the former host of local lifestyle and entertainment TV shows "KCSG Today" and "So Utah." Ann is married to dentist Larry Staples and has three children, four step-children, and 11 grandchildren.

---