The Kite Runner - July 18th

Click above to view film trailer:

Book lovers are forever saying that films aren’t as good as the books they are adapted from, as if being absorbed in a novel for days or weeks could ever be matched by two hours in a theatre. Comparing cinema to literature is as useful as judging your preference different between art forms. I think Bob Hoskins’ performance in Mona Lisa was better than the woman’s in the Da Vinci painting, for instance.

So, we have The Kite Runner universally regarded as being not as good as the book. No surprises there. But the story is such a compelling one that even a half decent rendition is better than most of the formula flicks coming out of Hollywood.

Amir, born in Afghanistan but now a comfortable resident of the United States, returns to his homeland to right a perceived injustice and assuage his guilt for having left. He arrives to Afghanistan under Taliban rule and must directly confront the repression he left behind.

Many critics praised the performances and style of this film as well as its portrayal of a land few of us in salty cold ports have any real understanding of. “This is a beautiful film that delivers in every way. It's about boys who don't need to chase shadows and men who want to relive the joy of that colourful kite's magical dance in the heavens,” wrote Louise Keller from Urban Cinefile.

“This haunting, redemptive tale has been beautifully filmed…the film is totally accessible to all audiences,” said Margaret Pomeratz from ABC TV’s At the Movies.

Screening starts at 7.30pm. Memberships, tea, coffee and lollies are available at the door from 7.15pm

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Reardon Theatre is in Bank Street Port Fairy opposite the Victoria Hotel. See map below:

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2008 Program

(Films at Reardon Theatre in Bank Street unless stated)