The Kite Runner: Similarities Between Book And Movie

The film adaptation of The Kite Runner does diminish the complexity of the story. Despite there being similarities such as the relationships between the characters, there are vital aspects of the story such as the complications of Sohrab’s immigration and his attempted suicide that were omitted.
In the novel, Amir struggles to adopt Sohrab and take him back to America with him. The process of Sohrab’s immigration is omitted from the film by cutting to a black screen. Shortly after Amir and Sohrab meet, they arrive at the airport with no troubles. In doing so; the film fails to portray Amir’s character development. At one point in the novel, it seems almost impossible for Amir to take Sohrab to America when the worker at the embassy tells them to “give it up” after hearing their story. Amir’s determination to help Sohrab is a key point in the story as Amir’s character development is shown during this time. Amir’s selfless and strong-willed characteristics aren’t shown in the film which takes away from the true essence of the overall story.

The attempted suicide is one of the main explanations of Sohrab’s behaviour when they arrive in America. Although Sohrab is much the same before the incident, he begins to open up to Amir just before the suicide attempt takes place. He then becomes mute and depressed which only occurs after the suicide attempt as a result of the complications. The entire scene being omitted from the film therefore neglects Amir’s desperation to atone for his past wrong doings in the novel. “I will think of Him every day from this day on if He only grants me this one wish: My hands are stained with Hassan’s blood; I pray God doesn’t let them get stained with the blood of his boy