The Giver

Parental Rating: PG-13

Contains: Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens August 15, 2014

Runs 94 minutes

Based on the bestselling novel, this is the story of a perfect world. There is no pain, no joy, no real feeling, only "sameness". No one is better than anyone else, there are no rivalries only acceptance and the elders determine what your place in the community will be once you reach the appropriate age. Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) is assigned the function of Receiver. He is sent to train with The Giver (Jeff Bridges), who is the holder of all of the memories of the past. As Jonas learns from the Giver, he begins to see what has been stripped from humanity: feelings, colors, love, the chance to make your own choices. He begins to rebel and the chief elder (Meryl Streep) is forced to go to extreme measures to stop him. Afterall, as the chief elder says, when people are allowed to make their own choices, they choose wrong every time. Has Jonas learned enough to make the right choice or will he be forced to live with the "sameness" for the rest of his life?

I really liked this movie. It makes you appreciate the uniqueness of each person and the past trials and tribulations that others went through for you to live in a free society today. The husband, Nacho Kim and Trainer Joe all had varied reactions to the movie. Overall, everyone was positive but they all thought it was too slow. It did start off slow, but as Jonas grew and colors and feelings began to seep back into the picture, things began picking up speed. I was drawn in by Jonas' awakening.  I think the movie was thought provoking and worth seeing. I didn't read the book so I didn't have any preconceived ideas and I enjoyed it. Give it a try.

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