Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The Kite Runner



Though I must first caution you that the movie is rated PG-13 and it contains some controversial scenes, The Kite Runner is one of the best movies I have seen lately. I would definitely recommend reading the book first, but the film is a beautiful adaptation of the novel. Though most of the story is set in Afghanistan, the themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption are universally relevant. The way the vibrant, colorful kites contrasted with the desolate, beige landscape of the country mirrored the boys’ innocence in respect to the ominous future of their beloved country. I love being able to read film the way you would read a novel. I would love to discuss many of the powerful scenes from the movie, but I don't want to ruin it for those of you who might see it.

Over the break I look forward to renting some good movies (since I don’t have cable!). What would you recommend and why? Remember that I am looking for films with academic integrity!

20 comments:

nhud said...

This was such a beautiful movie even with the controversial scenes because I think that those scenes helped you understand and grasp the reality of what is still happening over in the Middle East. I haven't read the book yet and seeing the movie makes me want to read it but I don't know if I'd be able to handle it again!

See Mrs. McAffry?! Aren't you glad you took the tickets? You would have missed out on one of the best movies in a while!

Sarah C said...

Nhu...Thanks so much for the tickets. My mom wanted me to make sure to tell you thanks as well. We had been looking forward to it and were so disappointed that the tickets were sold out. You saved the day!

nhud said...

Oh, it was no problem at all! I still ended up getting to go so I guess it worked out for everyone!

AnnaT said...

Mrs. McAffry... I don't know if you could call The Pursuit of Happiness an academic movie, but Kyle and I absolutely love that movie! It made us both cry. I bet if you and your husband haven't seen it you all would enjoy it! It is amazing! Enjoy my Clique books this weekend. Ha Ha! If you end up liking them I will let you borrow the last six.

ALISHA D said...

I don't know if this is an academic movie, but I loved the movie Hairspray. Even if you don't love musicals it's a good movie.

Jessica T. said...

Let's see The Illusionist is one of the best movies. You know how sometimes the ending of a movie could be stupid or dosen't answer any questions that you have. Well this movie doesn't, it has an awesome ending and altogether a great movie!!

cameron_w said...

Umm... lets see a film with academic intergity. I think it really depends on what your looking for. If you're looking for an exhilerating movie with a history lesson thrown in I suggest National Treasure. Now would be a great time to see it since there is a sequel coming out the 21 of this month.
However, the movie The Man Without A Face, starring Mel Gibson, is a great movie for anyone who is dedicated to teaching. It tells the story of a man who lived in solitude because of his past. One boy forces this life style to change and touches the man's life. He becomes a mentor to the boy and both of their lives are changed.

KaciG said...

Okay, im really not for sure if this is an academic, movie or not?
But, I would 100% recommend the movie "Facing the Giants" it came out last year, it's a christian movie, that is inspiring, funny, and all together wonderful! It is a football movie,but it's also about life in general. TRUST me Mrs. Mcaffry it's Great! If you do end up renting it, please let me know what you thought of it.
=]

brittanyd said...

Mrs. McAffry, the best movie ever has to be Sweet November. If you haven't already seen it then you HAVE to rent it. I cried for hours after it but it was so worth it. But then again I'm the kind of person who enjoys books and movies that make me cry. Rent it, you'll absolutely love it!

brittanyd said...

Oh yeah, and if you haven't seen it, and you do end up renting it tell me how much you cried and loved it. Ha ha!

ali n said...

I just recently watched a movie with my youth group called Amazing Grace, and it was a really inspiring movie that makes you think about some of the things that went on.

mchaffin said...

Well Cameron took the movie I was going to see, National Treasure, but I just thought of another movie! One of my favorite movies is A Knight's Tale. I'm not sure if you've seen it but it's such a great movie and I think you would like it. It's also a good all around movie. It's kind of a comedy, romance action movie. But I hope you like it!

NICKm said...

Since no one has said it I’m going to throw it out there 300 is a excellent historical action film. It shows exactly how things were in that time in history with outrageous special effects. 300 can easily pass as the best film ever created so if you haven’t scene it I suggest you do.

Sam P said...

A really great movie that has academic intergity is Freedom Writers I don't know if you've seen it or not, but if you haven't you should! It's about an English teacher (need I say more?) and she gets assigned to teach this class that could care less about her class or even graduating. Hilary Swank is in it, and it's based on a true story. It's really really good! I cried at the end :-)

kaitlyn_c said...

I definitly agree times ten with jessica about the illusionist!! A movie that I would recommend would be March of the Penguins. I know, people say it's the most boring thing ever, but I'm an animal freak and I absolutely loved it!

Rylan B. said...

I haven't seen a lot of the movies that other people have commented about, so I have some watching to do as well. A great movie that I would recommend to see if you haven't would be Shawshank Redemption. You probably have seen that if not, then Donnie Darko. It is probably the most confusing movie I have ever watched, but the more times you see it, the more you understand about it. These are two of my very favorites aside from some abstract type films that you probably wouldn't like.

Amanda H said...

I just finished watching Dead Poet's Society, and it is one of the best films I have seen!! Not only was it a tear-jerker, but it had one of the most impacting lessons I have learned: live life to its fullest by never conforming to what the rest of the world wants you to be!! It has a similar story line to A Separate Peace, so I believe we should seriously consider viewing it in class!! Dead Poet's Society is on the top of my highly recommended list of films!!

Sarah C said...

Amanda,

I actually show that in my Junior class. It is one of my favorites! The symbolism as Neil places the crown of thorns on his head is incredible. Carpe Diem! Seize the day!

Mrs. McAffry

Julie Ogle said...

Back to the Facing the Giants movie, I have it if you want to borrow it to watch because it is amazing!!

Nancy_M said...

Mrs. McAffry! I saw The Kite Runner, and it was amazing. I am so glad you suggested that book to the class, or I may have never had heard of it! The movie was almost as good as the book. Yay!