LEADER’S DISCUSSION GUIDE:
The Kite Runner
A universal tale of betrayal and redemption.
In the particular one finds the universal. In the film The Kite Runner by
Golden Globe–nominated
nominated director Marc Forster, viewers are thrust into
the world of 1970s Kabul, Afghanistan, in all its vibrancy and cross
cross-cultural
cultural
glory, as well as the dismal and war
war-torn
torn Kabul of 2000. Based on the bestbest
selling novel of the same nam
name, the film is a faithful re-creation of the
world and characters first envisioned by Afghan author Khaled Hosseini.
The story hinges on a boyhood friendship torn asunder by an act of
betrayal, which leads to one man’s journey to right the wrongs of his past.
pa
The Kite Runner is a modern fable that explores timely issues such as how
class divisions and ethnic differences affect relationships, as well as the
role of religion in individual lives and society. Further, the film is shot
through with timeless them
themes
es that transcend the particularity of its setting.
This study is designed to help you delve into a few of these themes, such as
loyalty and sacrifice vs. betrayal, telling the truth vs. keeping secrets, and
sin and guilt vs. redemption.
Based on:
The Kite Runner (Dreamworks,, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Participant Productions, 2007), directed by Marc Forster,
screenplay by David Benioff. Rated PG-13.
C HRISTIANITY T ODAY
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MOVIE-BASED
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GUI
– LEADER’S GUIDE
The Kite Runner
Page 2
Movie Summary
The film opens with Amir and his wife Soraya watching kite flyers in a park in San
Francisco,, circa 2000. Upon arriving home, the happy couple finds boxes of Amir’s novel,
A Season for Ashes. A long-distance
distance phone call cuts in on their celebration, and Amir finds
himself talking to Rahim Kahn, a close friend of his father, Baba. Rahim asks Amir tto
o come
home and promises him that “there is a way to be good again.”
The film flashes back to Amir’s childhood in Kabul, Afghanistan, 1978. Children are kite
fighting, a national Afghan pastime. Amir’s friend and servant Hassan sets off to “run” a
kite thatt has fallen, with Amir following behind. Soon thereafter, Baba tells Rahim Khan
that he is concerned that Amir doesn’t stand up for himself. Amir overhears this
discussion, and thus the relationship between Amir and Baba is strained. While Baba
doesn’t always
ways understand or appreciate his son, Rahim Kahn encourages Amir to develop
his story-telling ability.
The strong friendship of Amir and Hassan is highlighted as the boys watch Western movies
at the cinema and as they sit under a pomegranate tree, Amir re
reading
ading epic Persian tales to
Hassan. Hassan also boldly defends Amir against the local bully, Assef, a bigot and a
misguided nationalist even at a young age. Soon Amir wins the annual kite
kite-fighting
tournament, and Hassan runs the loser’s kite for him. When Amir goes looking for Hassan,
he finds him cornered by Assef and his cronies. When Hassan refuses to give up the kite,
Assef rapes him; Amir watches and does nothing, then runs away.
The relationship between the boys becomes painfully strained as Amir is o
overwhelmed
verwhelmed
with guilt. When Amir makes it look as though Hassan has stolen his watch, Hassan does
not give him away. Hassan’s father, Ali, tells Baba that they are leaving, despite Baba’s
insistence that all is forgiven. When the Soviets invade Kabul, Baba and Amir escape in a
tarpaulin-covered
covered truck with other refugees.
Then the movies flashes forward to Fremont, CA, 1988, with Baba on his way to Amir’s
community college graduation. Baba and Amir soon become a regular presence at the local
flea market, where
ere they hawk their wares alongside other Afghans such as General Sahib
and his daughter Soraya. Amir falls in love with Soraya, and shortly thereafter Baba is
diagnosed with terminal cancer. Eventually, Amir asks Baba to approach General Sahib,
who acceptss the marriage proposal, and Soraya tells Amir about her checkered past. After
their marriage, Baba dies, and the movie returns to the opening phone call.
Amir decides to go to Pakistan, where Rahim Kahn tells him about Hassan and his wife,
and how they were
re killed by the Taliban. Rahim also unveils the secret that Baba is
Hassan’s father, not Ali, and that Hassan’s son Sohrab is still alive. Amir sets off to rescue
Sohrab, which leads to a violent confrontation with the adult Assef. Amir and Sohrab
escape and return to America, where their life together with Soraya now begins.
—For
For more coverage of The Kite Runner,, see Peter Chattaway’s review on
www.christianitytoday.com/movies
Rated PG-13
The film is rated PG-13.
13. It includes a rape scene involving a child, which is very discreetly
done yet disturbing nonetheless. Violence also includes a stoning and a bloody fight scene.
1
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MOVIE-BASED
BASED DISCUSSION GUIDE
GUI
– LEADER’S GUIDE
The Kite Runner
Page 3
Discussing the Scenes
Select one or more of these themes to discuss:
1.
2.
3.
Loyalty and sacrifice
acrifice vs. betrayal
Telling the truth vs. keeping secrets
Sin and guilt vs. redemption
1. Loyalty and sacrifice vs. betrayal
(Philippians 2:1–11;
11; John 15:13; Matthew 6:14
6:14–15)
The Kite Runner revolves around powerful contrasts, with different characters’ true
natures revealing themselves or being revealed throughout the course of the film.
Perhaps none of the contrasts is more powerfully portrayed than that of loyalty vs.
betrayal in friendships, especially
ially in the case of Amir and Hassan, but also in the
friendship of Baba and Ali.
Scenes to Watch: Amir and Hassan waiting for the kite; Amir and Hassan at
the movies; Amir and Hassan facing Assef and his friends
The friendships of childhood can have an aalmost
lmost magical quality, as imaginary games
intermingle with fantastic real-life
life adventures. Yet Amir and Hassan’s friendship is fraught
with differences: Amir is a Pashtun, Hassan a Hazara. Amir has been born into the elite
class, Hassan into the servant class.
ass. While equality may not have been a thing to be
grasped, the boys nevertheless forge a deep bond as they grow up together in Kabul.
[Q] In the film’s opening sequence, Hassan takes off to run down a kite, with Amir
trailing significantly behind him. As they wait for the kite to fall, an uncomfortable
exchange takes place concerning Hassan’s sincerity and loyalty. How is the inequality
in the boys’ status made clear by their external appearance? How does Amir’s
condescension and Hassan’s deference come tthrough
hrough in each of the boys’ comments?
[Q] Both Amir and Hassan are captivated by American westerns in general and Steve
McQueen in particular. Why do you think the boys love these films?
[Q] On their way home through the market, Amir wraps his arm around H
Hassan,
assan, which
seems to establish their status as pals. Yet how does Amir’s reaction differ from
Hassan’s when they are confronted by Assef and his friends? What do we learn about
Amir’s and Hassan’s character from this scene?
Read Philippians 2:1–11.
[Q] Paul
aul instructs the believers at Philippi to be united in love, remain humble, and focus
on the needs of others. How do Hassan’s actions illustrate Paul’s commands? As
believers, what should our motivation for following these commands be?
[Q] Paul also encourages
rages the believers to imitate Christ in their attitudes and lives. In
what ways does Hassan resemble Christ? In what ways does he differ?
1
Scene to Watch: Assef and his cronies corner Hassan; Amir watches Assef
rape Hassan and does nothing
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MOVIE-BASED
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The Kite Runner
Page 4
In the most pivotal
tal scene of the film, Hassan chooses to remain loyal to his friend Amir
despite the unthinkable cost. Meanwhile, Amir betrays his friend Hassan, caving in to
cowardice.
[Q] How much truth is there in Assef’s accusatory speech?
[Q] Why do you think Hassan makes this sacrifice?
[Q] Amir knows that his father will be doubly proud if he brings home the loser’s blue kite
in addition to winning the kite
kite-fighting
fighting tournament. How does Amir’s relationship
with his father influence his behavior?
[Q] How does this scene
ene reveal what’s truly important to each of the boys?
The relationship between love and sacrifice is a consistent theme in story and in Scripture.
On the same night that he was betrayed, Jesus told his followers how much he loves them.
Read John 15:13.
[Q] How willing would you be to sacrifice yourself
yourself—your
your reputation, your body, your
status, or your life—for
for someone else, if you knew that you would be betrayed by that
person soon after? What does that say about Christ’s sacrificial love for you?
Scene to Watch: Amir reading Hassan’s letter
[Q] While Amir sits at an outdoor café to read Hassan’s letter, a cart filled with
pomegranates crashes behind him, reminiscent of the pomegranate that Hassan
smashed on his forehead when they were boys. What do you thin
think
k Hassan meant by
that gesture?
[Q] Why has Hassan written a letter to Amir?
[Q] Hassan concludes his letter, “You’ll find a faithful friend waiting for you always.” How
does this letter spur Amir to action?
Read Matthew 6:14–15.
[Q] How do we know that Hassan
ssan has forgiven Amir?
[Q] Why do these verses compel us to forgive, even when it means forgiving people who
have wounded us deeply?
1
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MOVIE-BASED
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GUI
– LEADER’S GUIDE
The Kite Runner
Page 5
2. Telling the truth vs. keeping secrets
(Genesis 12:10–20; John 8:31
1–38; 1 John 4:18)
Secrets can be buried, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t continue to exert an influence
one way or another. Sometimes we are tempted to believe that it will be easier for us if we
avoid telling the truth, but that concept itself is a lie. Maintaining a deception is generally
much harder than facing the consequences of the truth in the first place.
Scene to Watch: Rahim Kahn unveils a lifelong secret to Amir
Amir—that
that Baba is
actually Hassan’s father, not the sterile Ali
[Q] What circumstances
nces cause Rahim Kahn to reveal this secret at last? How do you think
this secret impacted Rahim and Baba’s friendship?
[Q] What is Amir’s reaction?
[Q] How was Baba’s relationship with Ali similar to Amir’s relationship with Hassan?
Leader’s Note: In thee novel, Rahim reminds Amir of the cultural context of Baba’s
decision: “Please think, Amir jan. It was a shameful situation. People would talk. All
that a man had back then, all that he was, was his honor, his name, and if people
talked . . .. We couldn’t tell anyone, surely you can see that.”
[Q] Given the nature of Afghan culture at the time, why do you think Baba chose to keep
this secret from both Amir and Hassan? How do you think this secret affected his
relationship with each of the boys?
Prior to receiving
eceiving God’s covenant, Abram indulged in some deception of his own. Read
Genesis 12:10–20.
[Q] What lie did Abram suggest to Sarai?
[Q] What reasons did Abram give for attempting this deception?
[Q] What does this story suggest about the relationship bbetween
etween fear and deception?
Understanding this, how might deception be avoided?
Scene to Watch: Soraya and Amir go for a chaperoned walk so Soraya can
reveal her past to Amir prior to their marriage
[Q] Soraya tells Amir, “I don’t want us to start with sec
secrets.”
rets.” What do we learn about
Soraya from this interaction? How does she differ from Amir?
[Q] Why doesn’t Amir condemn her?
[Q] Why do you think that Amir withholds his own secret at this moment?
Truth and freedom are directly related. Look at John 8:31
8:31–38.
1
[Q] Who is Jesus addressing in this passage?
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MOVIE-BASED
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The Kite Runner
Page 6
[Q] What is the truth Jesus is asking them to believe?
[Q] What freedom does Jesus the Son offer?
[Q] How does believing the truth of God’s Word liberate us? How does telling the truth in
our lives also liberate us?
Scene to Watch: Amir and Soraya at the dinner table with General Sahib and
his wife
[Q] How might General Sahib’s dislike of Amir’s career choice
choice—as
as evidenced by his
throwing out Amir’s manuscript at the flea market
market—suggest that he is a man
concerned with appearances?
[Q] What is General Sahib worried about in this scene?
[Q] How does Amir’s response reveal his personal growth?
Fear and love are also intimately related. Read 1 John 4:18.
[Q] How has Amir grown in love?
[Q] How can we grow in love?
3. Sin and guilt vs. redemption
(2 Corinthians 7:10–11;
11; Psalm 38:3
38:3–8; Luke 19:1–9;
9; Proverbs 11:17, 19,
21; Ephesians 1:3–8)
Perhaps Amir’s story resonates so strongly with audi
audiences
ences because it is the story of fallen
humanity, of struggling to overcome sin and do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
While ultimately our sin is taken away through Christ’s sacrifice, we all long for
redemption in the here and now.
Scene to Watch:
tch: Rahim talks to Amir in his bedroom
[Q] From an early age, Amir is plagued with guilt. In this scene, he feels guilty because he
sees himself as responsible for his mother’s death. What does Amir believe his father
feels toward him?
[Q] How does Rahim Kahn respond? Do you think Amir believes him?
[Q] Have you ever felt wrongly responsible for something? How did you get over your
false guilt?
Read 2 Corinthians 7:10–11.
[Q] What is the difference between “godly sorrow” and “worldly sorrow”?
1
[Q] What are the results of godly sorrow?
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MOVIE-BASED
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The Kite Runner
Page 7
[Q] Do you ever assess your sorrows to see which ones are truly godly?
Scene to Watch: Amir returns home from the tournament
[Q] In contrast to the smiling cheering boy who won the kite
kite-fighting
fighting tournament with
Hassan, Amir now appears quiet and withdrawn when he enters with the blue kite.
How do you think Baba’s wide smile and praise exacerbate Amir’s feelings?
[Q] What does the expression on Amir’s face as he’s crushed in Baba’s embrace tell you?
[Q] What is the effect of Amir’s
mir’s secret on his relationship with his father?
Guilt is an experience common to all. Read Psalm 38:3
38:3–8.
[Q] David is overwhelmed by the weight of his sin. What does this passage suggest about
the possible connection between spiritual and physical health?
[Q] Why might unabated guilt drive a person to desperate measures?
Scenes to Watch: Rahim Kahn’s phone call to Amir at the start of the film; the
continuation of their conversation later in the film
[Q] Why does Rahim tell Amir “there is a way to be good again”?
[Q] How does Amir initially respond?
[Q] Rahim continues, “It will not be easy. But you must come.” How is this a fitting
description of the redemption process?
[Q] What motivates Amir to return to Afghanistan?
Read Luke 19:1–9.
[Q] Why is Jesus’ behavior toward the tax collector considered revolutionary?
[Q] How does Zacchaeus respond to Jesus’ invitation?
[Q] What is the relationship between repentance and good works?
Scene to Watch: Amir confronts Assef and demands that he release Sohrab
[Q] How is Assef’s cruelty demonstrated in this scene?
[Q] Though no doubt scared out of his mind, Amir stands his ground, even when Assef
reveals his identity. What is the source of Amir’s strength?
Q] Assef taunts Amir, saying
aying “Run away; that’s what you do best.” Instead, how does
1
Amir respond?
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The Kite Runner
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[Q] How does this scene further Amir’s redemption?
[Q] Does Sohrab’s shooting Assef with his slingshot provide a sense of justice? Why or
why not?
Read Proverbs 11:17, 19, 21.
[Q] According
ccording to these verses, what happens to those who are cruel and do evil?
[Q] What are the benefits of being kind and righteous?
[Q] Is this how the world works? If so, how? If not, what do these verses mean?
Scene to Watch: Amir and Sohrab engage in a ki
kite fight in the park
[Q] What does this scene suggest about the quality of Amir and Sohrab’s relationship at
this point?
[Q] How does the kite-fighting
fighting scene here resemble the tournament in Kabul?
[Q] When Amir succeeds in cutting the boy’s kite, he asks Sohrab if he wants him to run
the kite for him. When Sohrab gives him a hint of a smile, Amir cries out, “For you a
thousand times over!” Is this a satisfying conclusion to the film? Why or why not?
Read Ephesians 1:3–8.
[Q] According to this passage, when did God decide to redeem us?
[Q] What did our redemption cost?
[Q] What does our redemption in Christ mean?
As the Credits Roll
[Q] Redemption is one of those big theological terms like sanctification and justification.
How can we convey these ideas to unbelievers in a way that is understandable?
[Q] How might we take advantage of movies like The Kite Runner to illustrate biblical
concepts?
cepts? What is incomplete about the picture of redemption offered in this film?
[Q] How do you see the transforming power of love in this story? How have you seen the
transforming power of love in your own life?
[Q] How does the portrayal of Amir’s faith iinn Allah make you feel? What perceptions of
God might an unbeliever glean from this film?
1
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MOVIE-BASED
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The Kite Runner
Page 9
[Q] Does this movie motivate you to live an obedient life, doing good to others? Why or
why not?
—Adrianna
Adrianna Wright, a graduate of Wheaton College, works for InterVarsity Press.
1
© 2007 • CHRISTIANITY TODAY INTERNATIONAL
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PARTICIPANT’S DISCUSSION GUIDE:
The Kite Runner
A universal tale of betrayal and redemption.
In the particular one finds the universal. In the film The Kite Runner by
Golden Globe–nominated
nominated director Marc Forster, viewers are thrust into
the world of 1970s
0s Kabul, Afghanistan, in all its vibrancy and cross
cross-cultural
cultural
glory, as well as the dismal and war
war-torn
torn Kabul of 2000. Based on the bestbest
selling novel of the same name, the film is a faithful re
re-creation of the
world and characters first envisioned by Afgh
Afghan
an author Khaled Hosseini.
The story hinges on a boyhood friendship torn asunder by an act of
betrayal, which leads to one man’s journey to right the wrongs of his past.
The Kite Runner is a modern fable that explores timely issues such as how
class divisions
ons and ethnic differences affect relationships, as well as the
role of religion in individual lives and society. Further, the film is shot
through with timeless themes that transcend the particularity of its setting.
This study is designed to help you del
delve
ve into a few of these themes, such as
loyalty and sacrifice vs. betrayal, telling the truth vs. keeping secrets, and
sin and guilt vs. redemption.
Based on:
The Kite Runner (Dreamworks, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Participant Productions, 2007), directed by Marc Forster,
screenplay by David Benioff. Rated PG-13.
C HRISTIANITY T ODAY
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
© 2007
Visit www.ChristianBibleStudies.com
MOVIE-BASED
BASED DISCUSSION GUIDE
GUI
– PARTICIPANT’S GUIDE
The Kite Runner
Page 2
Movie Summary
The film opens with Amir and his wife Soraya watching kite flyers in a park in San
Francisco, circa 2000. Upon arriving home, the happy couple finds boxes of Amir’s novel,
A Season for Ashes. A long-distance
distance phone call cuts in on their celebration, and Amir finds
himself talking to Rahim Kahn, a close friend of his father, Baba. Rahim asks Amir to come
home and promises him that “there is a way to be good again.”
The film flashes back to Amir’s childhood in Kabul, Afghanistan, 11978.
978. Children are kite
fighting, a national Afghan pastime. Amir’s friend and servant Hassan sets off to “run” a
kite that has fallen, with Amir following behind. Soon thereafter, Baba tells Rahim Khan
that he is concerned that Amir doesn’t stand up for hi
himself. Amir overhears this
discussion, and thus the relationship between Amir and Baba is strained. While Baba
doesn’t always understand or appreciate his son, Rahim Kahn encourages Amir to develop
his story-telling ability.
nd Hassan is highlighted as the boys watch Western movies
The strong friendship of Amir and
at the cinema and as they sit under a pomegranate tree, Amir reading epic Persian tales to
Hassan. Hassan also boldly defends Amir against the local bully, Assef, a bigot and a
misguided nationalist even at a young age. Soon Amir wins the annual kite
kite-fighting
tournament, and Hassan runs the loser’s kite for him. When Amir goes looking for Hassan,
he finds him cornered by Assef and his cronies. When Hassan refuses to give up the kite,
Assef rapes him; Amir watches and does nothing, then runs away.
The relationship between the boys becomes painfully strained as Amir is overwhelmed
with guilt. When Amir makes it look as though Hassan has stolen his watch, Hassan does
not give him away. Hassan’s father, A
Ali,
li, tells Baba that they are leaving, despite Baba’s
insistence that all is forgiven. When the Soviets invade Kabul, Baba and Amir escape in a
tarpaulin-covered
covered truck with other refugees.
Then the movies flashes forward to Fremont, CA, 1988, with Baba on his way to Amir’s
community college graduation. Baba and Amir soon become a regular presence at the local
flea market, where they hawk their wares alongside other Afghans such as General Sahib
and his daughter Soraya. Amir falls in love with Soraya, and sh
shortly
ortly thereafter Baba is
diagnosed with terminal cancer. Eventually, Amir asks Baba to approach General Sahib,
who accepts the marriage proposal, and Soraya tells Amir about her checkered past. After
their marriage, Baba dies, and the movie returns to the opening phone call.
Amir decides to go to Pakistan, where Rahim Kahn tells him about Hassan and his wife,
and how they were killed by the Taliban. Rahim also unveils the secret that Baba is
Hassan’s father, not Ali, and that Hassan’s son Sohrab is still alive. Amir sets off to rescue
Sohrab, which leads to a violent confrontation with the adult Assef. Amir and Sohrab
escape and return to America, where their life together with Soraya now begins.
--For
For more coverage of The Kite Runner, see Peter Chattaway’s review on
www.christianitytoday.com/movies
Rated PG-13
The film is rated PG-13.
13. It includes a rape scene involving a child, which is very discreetly
done yet disturbing nonetheless. Violence also includes a stoning and a bloody fight scene.
1
© 2007 • CHRISTIANITY TODAY INTERNATIONAL
Visit www.ChristianBibleStudies.com
MOVIE-BASED
BASED DISCUSSION GUIDE
GUI
– PARTICIPANT’S GUIDE
The Kite Runner
Page 3
Discussing the Scenes
1. Loyalty and sacrifice vs. betrayal
(Philippians 2:1–11;
11; John 15:13; Matthew 6:14
6:14–15)
The Kite Runner revolves around powerful contrasts, with different characters’ true
natures revealing themselves or being revealed throughout the course of the film. Perhaps
none of the contrasts is more powerfully portrayed than that of loyalty vs. betrayal in
friendships, especially in the case of Amir and Hassan, but also in the friendship of Baba
and Ali.
2. Telling the truth vs. keeping secrets
(Genesis 12:10–20;
20; John 8:31
8:31–38; 1 John 4:18)
Secrets can be buried, but that doesn’t mean that tthey
hey won’t continue to exert an influence
one way or another. Sometimes we are tempted to believe that it will be easier for us if we
avoid telling the truth, but that concept itself is a lie. Maintaining a deception is generally
much harder than facing the consequences of the truth in the first place.
3. Sin and guilt vs. redemption
(2 Corinthians 7:10–11;
11; Psalm 38:3
38:3–8; Luke 19:1–9;
9; Proverbs 11:17, 19,
21; Ephesians 1:3–8)
Perhaps Amir’s
r’s story resonates so strongly with audiences because it is the story of fallen
humanity, of struggling to overcome sin and do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
While ultimately our sin is taken away through Christ’s sacrifice, we all long for
redemption in the here and now.
—Adrianna
Adrianna Wright, a graduate of Wheaton College, works for InterVarsity Press.
1
© 2007 • CHRISTIANITY TODAY INTERNATIONAL
Visit www.ChristianBibleStudies.com