Nichols Previews THE KITE RUNNER Movie

Christopher T. Johnson, manager of the Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux, stands in front (center) of the happy Nichols crowd of students, faculty and staff. Directly behind him is "Nichols Reads" organizer, Professor Luanne V. Proko.

"There is a way to be good again."

On December 4th, Theater 5 in the Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux in Millbury, Mass., was reserved for a Nichols College 7 p.m. advanced private movie screening of Afghan author Khaled Hosseini's beloved 2003 bestseller THE KITE RUNNER.

Christopher T. Johnson, a manager at the Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux, said the film, received only two hours earlier by special currier, will be released nationwide December 14th.

Controversy has surrounded the film as the young male actors in the movie recently left their homes in Afghanistan out of concern that they would be ostracized or attacked because of a rape scene. Golden Globe-nominated director Marc Forster used a globally diverse cast and crew and mixed non-actors from Afghanistan and Central Asia with an accomplished international cast.

The story is set against the backdrop of the Soviet occupation and the rise of the Taliban tight-fisted rule with dialogue in both English and an Afghan dialect, Dari, with English subtitles. It's profound tale explores the complex relationship between fathers and sons and the childhood friendship of Amir, a privileged boy who's living with the guilt of having betrayed his best friend, Hassan, the illiterate son of his father's servant.

Nichols students won the privilege by registering in large numbers on the official movie website. Excited first-year Nichols students were in heavy attendance as this was a wonderful culmination to a successful Nichols Reads Program which selected THE KITE RUNNER for summer reading. The program, developed and organized by Nichols Professor Luanne. V. Proko, provides a common educational experience while reinforcing the importance or reading as a life-long pursuit.

This is what Nichols participants had to say about the entire experience:

Jennifer Mayer, '11, Accounting Major (Springfield, MA):
"Nichols Reads was a great experience because [the book] presented many of the global issues we see today. It also showed us how people outside of the United States are treated."

Professor Larry Muller:
"Thank you Professor Proko and support team for a wonderful experience! The book and movie were very much in lock-step; the screen writer stayed true to the plot of the book. Participating in a preview of the movie was really neat and integrating the faculty, staff, and students in a common process is what education is all about. It is my hope that we will not only continue the Program, but invite all students to participate in Nichols Read.

Amanda Judycki, '11, Marketing Major (West Brookfield, MA):
"Professor Proko pulled together an excellent opportunity for us, which makes us realize how different things are in the Middle East compared to here. I found the movie to be exceptionally well produced, and to my amazement, it followed the book quite well. I enjoyed reading the book over the summer and even though the movie had subtitles (which I usually do not like), I would recommend both.

Alie Hallam, '11, Marketing Major (Assonet MA):
"I wish the movie had revealed more about Hassan's hairlip and the bond between Amir and Hassan. A person who has not read the book may not fully understand the importance of the boys' friendship and the pain that Amir felt all his life for how he neglected to help his friend. Overall, I thought the actors portrayed the characters accurately, and I enjoyed the movie."

Stephanie Haskell, '11, General Business Major (East Bridgewater, MA):
"Being one of the first in the country to view the movie "The Kite Runner" was an honor. The movie was awesome, and I loved it. Yeah...I will agree there were a few things different from the book, but isn't it always that way? I read a book that was great and won $100.00 taking 3rd prize in the Nichols Reads contest! Thank-you!"

Nicole Bowden, '11, Marketing Major (Surry, ME):
"I really enjoyed the preview of the Kite Runner movie! I was glad that it stayed true to the book because it made the movie seem more authentic. The movie handled the different themes very well. Although there were a few controversial scenes, they were portrayed in a non-offensive way. I am glad I participated in the Nichols Reads Program because it has made me more well-rounded, and I really liked reading the book and then seeing the film. I feel that the book selection was very relevant to current global issues because of the conflict we are currently involved  in the Middle East."