The symbolic significance of kites

We have discussed the symbolic use of kites in The Kite Runner and although to many of you they reflected Amir’s use of cliche they are worth discussing. Kites are popular today but they have ancient origins. It is believed that they date back at least three thousand years and originally came from China. Kites are particularly popular in Afghanistan as they symbolise national pride, history, independence, personal pride and religion.

Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites, red with long blue tails, soaring up in the sky. They danced high above the trees on the west end of the park, over the windmills.

This description from the novel appears on page one. The kites represent the relationship between Amir and Hassan, they float close to one another occassionally bumping each other accidently or manipulated on purpose. As the kite flyer and the kite runner they are a perfect team as each is an expert in their own right.

Every winter, districts in Kabul held a kite-fighting tournament. If you were a boy living in Kabul, the day of the tournament was undeniably the highlight of the cold season … In Kabul, fighting kites was a little like going to war.

In Amir’s case this war takes a number of forms in the novel. There is the actual kite-fighting battle, his internal conflict over not protecting Hassan, the battle to win Baba’s attention and to earn his praise and finally the battle over whether to get involved in rescuing Sohrab. Another interesting thing about kites are that they are the only thing that Amir and Baba have in common. Their hopes, dreams and personalities are very different but kites are “the one paper thin slice of intersection between spheres of their existence.” Baba and Amir do eventually come to understand one another but it takes a long time to get there.

The end of the novel was hard for many of you to believe in because of the use of cliche and this was even more evident in your reactions to the film but remember that in Afghanistan kite-flying and fighting only have one rule and that is winning. This not only makes the fight scene between Assef and Amir more believable but it also reminds us why Amir is so desperate to win. Remember, to bring home the last fallen kite is a great honour. Amir betrayed Hassan to get it. Now Sohrab is that last fallen kite and Amir needs to not only win against Assef, he must also bring Sohrab home. It costs Amir and Sohrab a great deal but the final kite-flying scene suggests that Amir by taking on Hassan’s role for Sohrab has finally redeemed himself and has found goodness and redemption.

An Afghan Treat – The Press Review

More on ‘The Kite Runner’ film. Here is James Croot’s review from The Christchurch Press.

Kabul, Afghanistan, 1978. While the country faces a growing threat from Soviet-backed communists, the only worries best-friends Amir (Zekeria Ebrahimi) and Hassan (Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada) face are the local bullies. Whether it’s watching The Magnificent Seven for the umpteenth time (admiring the performance of their favourite “Iranian actor” Charles Bronson) or using Hassan’s slingshot skills to annoy neighbourhood canines, the pair are as thick as thieves. Their teamwork is particularly evident during kite battles, where they combine to see off all comers.

However, there are those who feel their friendship is inappropriate. While Amir is a well-to-do Pashtun boy, Hassan is a Hazara and the son of Amir’s father’s servant. Amir is taunted about his friendship, with other boys suggesting Hassan is really only an “ugly pet”. And while Hassan would gladly put his life on the line for his best mate, Amir is more reticent.

That’s put to the test when Hassan is cornered by some hoodlums and physically assaulted and humiliated. Amir sees the incident but does nothing, leading to a falling out between the pair which escalates to the point that Hassan and his father leave the household.

Shortly afterwards, with the Soviet invasion imminent, Amir and his father move to America, but the boy can’t help feeling a sense of guilt and unfinished business in his homeland, something that will haunt him for decades.

Based on Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini’s 2003 novel of the same name, this fine film is illuminated by David Benioff’s faithful adaptation, frill-free direction (barring Forster’s overuse of kite-flying symbolism) and some terrific acting.

Kite Runner provides a fascinating insight into Afghan culture and ethnic variety, as well as the country’s recent historical background – from the arrival of the Soviets to the Taliban – before invasion by American forces. And although the storyline is regret-filled, it never descends into melodrama.

While youngsters Ebrahimi and Mahmidzada have stolen all the headlines, it’s Homayoun Ershadi who deserves the acting plaudits. Disapproving fathers tend to be fairly one-dimensional, but his Baba is more nuanced and complex – a man unafraid to speak his mind and disappointed that his son won’t do the same. “If you won’t stand up for yourself now, you won’t stand up for anything,” he chides Amir.

Such is the power of his performance that most audience members will sympathise with him rather than his charge. Credit also must go to China’s oasis city of Kashgar for its performance standing in for Afghanistan, the latter sadly proving far too risky a prospect to film in.

The Kite Runner Trailer

At last I have got The Kite Runner trailer to show you. The quality isn’t great but follow the link to watch a far better quality version. I know I shouldn’t really comment but from what I saw in the clip the film looks like a faithful adaptation of Hosseini’s novel. Do take a look at the high quality version – the landscape and kite flying scene is breath-taking.

High Quality Kite Runner Trailer