Saturday, January 3, 2015

The Giver

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!
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Happy New Years to everyone. I also hope  that everyone had a merry Christmas, or happy Holidays!

This film is based off the novel, of the same name, written by Lois Lowry. In 2048, there is a floating city that houses the perfect community. There is no hate, no war, no famine, and no love. This city is govern by elders who seek advice from the Receiver of Memory, because all former memories have been erased. Jonas, is about to become a working member of the community leaving his childhood behind. He is given the position to become the new Receiver of Memory. However, his mentor has an ulterior motive to reveal the truth of their existence and the truth of the 'real' world.

This film was directed by Phillip Noyce. I have not read the novel to be able to compare the two. This film is another teenage rebellion story with some questions about humanity itself. It begs the questions about what our basic rights are as human beings, and what should we lose to end our distress. The story itself tells a familiar story that is sincere and heartfelt. However, it cuts a lot of corners in the finer details of the actual plot. Like, why are these genetically created beings born with all the memories of a 'real' world? If they were unwanted, wouldn't it be simpler to have them born without them? Even so, how can every human have access to these memories that only the Receiver of Memory should have? It also seems too easy to suddenly give characters feelings when none are meant to exist (because of a drug they take). However, the cinematography was beautiful to watch on screen. It made a dull background appear fresh. Starting from black and white and going into color was a great choice. Brenton Thwaites played the role of Jonas. He was good on screen playing the naive and brave character, but could not stand fully out from the rest of the cast. Jeff Bridges played the role of The Giver. He was great in this role. In several ways, he appears to be the main character. Odeya Rush played the role of Fiona. She was great at supporting the rest of the cast. Meryl Streep played the role of the Chief Elder. I loved her stoic nature in this film. She was the unexpected villain trying to maintain the harmony within the community, but her nature made you wonder how much she was hiding.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! There is a beauty in its story and its cinematography, but it could've been more emotionally gripping.

This film can be found from Netflix DVD.

Answer to last blog: Play Misty For Me was Clint Eastwood's, Jersey Boys, first directed film.

Que: What famous singer made an appearance in this film?

Lord
Adele
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift

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