Metacritic Movie Ratings
The Kite Runner Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 100

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  Like "House of Sand and Fog" and "Man Push Cart," it helps us to understand that the newcomers among us come from somewhere and are somebody.

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• 80

  out of 100

  Variety

  While the largely unknown cast and subtitled dialogue may present a marketing challenge, they also create a feeling of authenticity in this poignant, intimate epic, which should attract a strong following among discerning audiences.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum

  In making a movie about the hot mess of Afghan history, a sense of reserve turns out to be a useful tool for peace.

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• 75

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  A compelling and uplifting tale that exposes the viewer to an unfamiliar, fascinating culture and a family dynamic that is recognizable and nuanced.

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• 60

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan

  The Kite Runner is a house divided against itself. The Marc Forster-directed version of the Khaled Hosseini novel does one part of the story so well that its success underlines what's lacking in what remains.

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• 50

  out of 100

  Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern

  The only reliable source of energy is Homayoun Ershadi, a powerful actor who plays Baba, Amir's Westernized father.

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• 40

  out of 100

  The New York TimesManohla Dargis

  Mr. Forster, who previously directed "Monster's Ball" and "Finding Neverland," has been soundly defeated by The Kite Runner. Despite the film's far-flung locations (it was shot primarily in China), there is remarkably little of visual interest here; the setups are banal, and the scenes lack tension, which no amount of editing can provide.

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