Ryan C Reaction to Movie

The movie had many distinct differences when compared to the novel. These differences changed the overall tone and feeling of the movie. I feel that Baba and Hassan’s relationship is not as greatly seen or explored in in the movie. One important scene left out of the movie is the Hassan’s cleft lip. In the novel Baba pays for Hassan to have surgery on his lip as a birthday present. This scene greatly showed that Baba clearly cared for Hassan; he did not just care about him because he was Ali’s son, or because Baba is a good person. Instead Baba clearly cares about Hassan enough to go out of his way with this gesture. When it is finally revealed that Hassan is Baba’s son it does not come as such a big surprise. Had I watched the movie without prior knowledge this fundamental part of the novel would not have been as clear or comprehensible. Another fairly important scene from the novel that is left out is Sohrab’s attempted suicide. This was a very emotional and touching scene from the novel that gives us more insight into Sohrab. In the movie Sohrab is not so much a character, but instead a prop. The novel elaborates more on Sohrab, his situation and his personality, but much of this is omitted from the movie and therefore makes it difficult to connect with Sohrabs character. The ending of the movie seemed rather rushed and this also adds to the viewers’ inability to establish a connection with the characters. Soraya’s infertility is left out of the movie as well. Amir and Soraya’s inability to conceive creates a great burden on their relationship, and it is because of this that Soraya is so eager to have a Sohrab. In the novel it explains how she had envisioned them doing all sorts of activities together, she had decorated his room and even bought him new toys, but much of this is left out from the movie. It may have been an issue of timing, or a choice that the directors decided on but I think that leaving this important detail out changes the relationship between Sohrab, Soraya and Amir. 

Despite the differences between the movie and novel I greatly enjoyed watching the movie. The directors did a great job casting each character, and I believe that each actor accurately represented their character. I also believe that the directors did a great job with the setting of the novel. Most of the scenes occurred as I had envisioned them, although watching the movie made them seem more “real”. Overall I enjoyed watching the movie, because it followed a very interesting plot and had great actors, but I would recommend that anyone who wants to watch the movie should first read the novel.