Movie Review: The Giver

Movie Review: The Giver

Julia Fouts

           

On August 15, 2014, the movie The Giver was released. Based on Lois Lowry’s well-acclaimed book, this phenomenal movie is a must-see. The story centers on Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) who lives in a futuristic, colorless, and emotionless world. When Jonas graduates from childhood, he learns from The Giver (Jeff Bridges) all the memories of the past. He begins seeing colors and feeling deep emotions; he also sees all that is wrong with the society he lives in. Hate, love, music, and knowledge are absent in the society. Jonas risks his life to restore the past and attempt to save his world from its emotionless state. The movie does a good job in displaying the book’s main themes and ideas; it is an exciting tale for everyone, having read the book or not. The visuals are outstanding, especially when The Giver’s memories are shown to Jonas. Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep play their roles well; Cameron Monaghan, Taylor Swift, and Odeya Rush are also fantastic. The development of the protagonist, however, is mediocre. By infusing more emotion into his character, Thwaites could have added more depth and interest to his character. Despite this, Thwaites was a great choice for Jonas and did well in one of his first movies. Suspense filled the climax, and the movie is by far one of the best futuristic films of the decade; it is simple, interesting, and the romance is not overdone. In the movie, Jonas learns of pain and suffering, but also of joy and love. He has an incredible desire to share all that he feels, and this desire powers the storyline. Thoughtful ideas, such as totalitarianism, freedom of expression, and the danger of ignorance are a few central concepts displayed in the movie. Sameness and equality are put to the test in the enticing and powerful movie, The Giver.