Afghanistan, 1970's. Amir is a Pushtun boy. Hassan is a Hazara boy. Amir and Hassan are raised together in Amir's father house. They play together and go kitting on the streets of a peaceful Kabul. Amir feels that his wise and good father, Baba, blames him for the death of his mother during his delivery. He feels that his father loves and prefers Hassam to him. In return, Amir feels a great respect for his father's best friend, Rahim Khan, who supports his intention to become a writer. After Amir wins a kitting competition, Hassan runs to bring a kite to Amir, but Hassan is beaten and raped by the brutal Assef in an empty street to protect Amir's kite. Amir witnesses the assault but does not help Hassan. Amir frames Hassan as a thief and his father is forced to fire Amir. After the Russians invade Afghanistan, Baba and Amir move to California, where Amir becomes a famous writer and marries a fellow countrywoman. After a phone call reveals a family secret, Amir returns to Pakistan on a journey of redemption.