Read Positive User Reviews for The Giver

7

tvnewsguidoSep 11, 2014

It's a sweet little story.

Of course, a society that dulls its feelings with emotion dampening drugs and a government that wishes to control how we live and who we love is too far fetched to be believed. This is worth a watch on a lazyIt's a sweet little story.

Of course, a society that dulls its feelings with emotion dampening drugs and a government that wishes to control how we live and who we love is too far fetched to be believed.

This is worth a watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

emeraldcitySep 4, 2014

A good film but a lot like the also recent science fiction movie Divergent. Hollywood ripping of Hollywood? Who would think it-that would be-just crazy. Well, for what its worth this one might be the better film but since it so derivative itA good film but a lot like the also recent science fiction movie Divergent. Hollywood ripping of Hollywood? Who would think it-that would be-just crazy. Well, for what its worth this one might be the better film but since it so derivative it can't really be called original. "So what" I take it is the order of the day regarding hijacking someone else's movie idea in todays filmmaking world. Not that it matters much. It would just be nice if people were a bit less relying on others work in order to make a product that puts bums on seats. A trick to get people i the theatre (the promise of something neat and original) fails in the long run. On the good side of it the work is crisp and even a bit visionary-like the early science fiction novels of the 1950's. I didn't notice if it was based on any old science fiction but it remind me of a whole bunch of things. Anyway-its a safe movie in that the violence isn't visceral (gory) and there ain't no bad words in it. Go see it. What the hey.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

PrestonISAug 19, 2014

This move was visually stunning, and it did a great job with retaining the plot events, dialogues, and symbols of the novel, which is much more than most film adaptations can say. Most of the reviews I have read are from those who have notThis move was visually stunning, and it did a great job with retaining the plot events, dialogues, and symbols of the novel, which is much more than most film adaptations can say. Most of the reviews I have read are from those who have not read the book, who are complaining about the unanswered ending. Lois Lowry purposely made the ending ambiguous, you cannot blame the movie for that (and there shouldn't even be any blame; ambiguous endings give the readers/viewers power to interpret and analyze for themselves). There were a few minor details removed from the movie, but I believe that they were left out to be able to be appropriate for younger audiences while maintaining the more mature audience who may have read the book. An example of this is the neglect of the "Stirrings" that Jonas experiences, which is replaced with a brief dream of Jonas kissing Fiona. An important detail left out was the House of the Old.
Some theatrical criticisms I have include the fact that the beginning of the movie was rushed, the unnecessary occurrences where the camera is blurred and feels like it has a low fps, and the moments of noticeably off acting on the part of... Jonas. In some instances, I felt that I was watching a generic young adult film adaptation (cough... Hunger Games, Divergent.... cough). Mostly, however, the actors did a great job considering the existential morals they had to convey.
Overall, I do recommend this movie. If you have read the book like me, then you might have a similar opinion about the movie. If not, you'll either love it or think it's okay (because you don't understand the ending, or other details).… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

ledaumasAug 17, 2014

This movie is very thought provoking. I never read the book but I will now. Considering all the awful things that are going on in the world at the moment, terrorists, riots, we know they are caused by feelings and passions. This movie showsThis movie is very thought provoking. I never read the book but I will now. Considering all the awful things that are going on in the world at the moment, terrorists, riots, we know they are caused by feelings and passions. This movie shows how feelings and passions make our world awful, but it also shows how feelings and passions are positive and that we shouldn't repress them. If only the world can figure out the right balance to make feelings and passion work in a positive manner.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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10

SpicaAug 22, 2014

Great movie with a profound message and tremendous acting. As a viewer, you cannot help but feel how dangerously close our society today is portrayed in this film. I've not read the books, but after watching this I will be soon..

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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7

ThegodfathersonAug 16, 2014

The Giver is visually arresting, well made and acted. Yes, I've read the book by Lois Lowry. Is it same as the book? No. Director Philip Noyce directs this film about Jonas, who gets recruited for a special job, receiver of memories, whereThe Giver is visually arresting, well made and acted. Yes, I've read the book by Lois Lowry. Is it same as the book? No. Director Philip Noyce directs this film about Jonas, who gets recruited for a special job, receiver of memories, where his mentor The Giver tells him secrets of the past that have been hidden all these years. Love, Color, Happiness, Hunger, Birth. Those are the things that The Community doesn't have. It's a diffrent world from ours, and yes, it's pretty sci-fi. Newcomer Brendon Thwaits does a good job of acting as Jonas, he was smart and energetic. Jeff Bridges is good as the Giver and Meyrl Streep is okay as the community elder, the woman who thinks if people choose, they will choose wrong. The story is not totally the same. Some honest changes were made. The film is slow and drags a bit at the climax. But if you don't mind a good movie that treats its subject matter well. Watch, The Giver.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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10

moviemikey98Aug 15, 2014

I was and still am a big fan of the 1993 Lois Lowry, it was a spectacular book that had a so-so cliffhanger ending that didn't answer any questions that the reader was left with. I will start my review at the ending because it goes beyondI was and still am a big fan of the 1993 Lois Lowry, it was a spectacular book that had a so-so cliffhanger ending that didn't answer any questions that the reader was left with. I will start my review at the ending because it goes beyond what the book did and gives the audience hope for the future of these characters and I liked that. People are complaining that questions are still left unanswered, I hate when people complain about these things because I feel that there some things that should be left to interpretation and that the filmmakers shouldn't have to spoon feed everything to the audience. The acting is amazing especially Jeff Bridges, you could tell that he had a lot of passion behind this project. This movie also has easily some of the most amazing visuals that are a true treat for the eyes. I loved how this movie handles its dense themes and made them worth while and interesting. Quite possibly the best thing about this movie is the way it handled the source materiel, it took some liberties and removed or altered the things that didn't work and preserved the things that were excellent about the book. This is a rare score that I give this many 10's but this is the 4th 10 of the year (alongside X-Men: Days of Future Past, Under the Skin and Chef). I highly recommend checking this movie out if you can.

Score: 10 out of 10
Rated PG-13, 100 min. The Weinstein Company… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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7

scremptspensionAug 17, 2014

I felt the movie was another one of those adaptations that did well, with a few honest cinematic elements and changes. In addition, it can provide enough entertainment to spark interest in the book. Great acting by star actors and actresses,I felt the movie was another one of those adaptations that did well, with a few honest cinematic elements and changes. In addition, it can provide enough entertainment to spark interest in the book. Great acting by star actors and actresses, with even a brief cameo by Taylor Swift (exceptional brief performance). However, the film's book, The Giver by Lowry would have made it difficult to come up with an intense climax as the studio's trailers made it seem. Having read the book, it was surprising how intense they were making it look. This gives the viewer a slight underwhelming feeling by the end of the movie.

The Giver is not by any means a must-have for your collection. It is, after all, a Young Adult Novel adaptation. And the genre's history, as we've seen, has created few must-haves. It is an average film, that's certain to entertain, but you shouldn't expect mind-blowing.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

cwilliamhudMar 16, 2016

It may lack some of the impact the book has, but ultimately this adaptation is stunning, beautiful, emotional, and will resonate with just about anyone. This is much deeper and meaningful than any other YA film you will ever see.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

DondoveebAug 16, 2014

The Giver is by far one of the best films of the year. It's visually stunning and a very interesting blend of science fiction and social drama. Because it is so unique, it will not be to everyone liking, hence the less than glowing reviews.The Giver is by far one of the best films of the year. It's visually stunning and a very interesting blend of science fiction and social drama. Because it is so unique, it will not be to everyone liking, hence the less than glowing reviews. It certainly skews toward a more thinking person's palate... not your typical over-the-top special effects extravaganza. In time, this film will most definitely end up being regarded as one of the best.… Expand

8 of 18 users found this helpful810

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10

Patrick94Jul 14, 2015

My advice? Do not listen to anyone that doesn't like this movie. They probably think The Hunger games is the most brilliant movie series of all time. This film is absolutely brilliant, and takes you on a thrill ride. It's visually beautiful,My advice? Do not listen to anyone that doesn't like this movie. They probably think The Hunger games is the most brilliant movie series of all time. This film is absolutely brilliant, and takes you on a thrill ride. It's visually beautiful, and really let's you feel the emotions Brenton Thwaites character experiences the more he learns about the past world.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

mslindachenSep 16, 2014

Beautiful and emotional movie, capturing the importance of friendship, trust, freedom, and love. It stresses the importance of having memories, having emotions, having decisions of your own.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

victorhjklSep 13, 2014

The Giver has a touching story, amazing actors and awesome scenes, the movie is good altogether, but sometimes it starts to get boring, and there are some parts in the plot that stay empty... but despite this is a great movie.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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10

Costs1129Sep 21, 2015

Blew me away. Was an excellent movie to watch with my wife and daughter. One of those bonding movies that reminds you to take the bad with the good, and to use both to learn and love more. I am grateful to the directors for compressing theseBlew me away. Was an excellent movie to watch with my wife and daughter. One of those bonding movies that reminds you to take the bad with the good, and to use both to learn and love more. I am grateful to the directors for compressing these complex ideas into such a concise and well crafted narrative.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

CloudstarNov 27, 2014

I remember when I saw this movie. It was amazing. I had never really read the book before, but as soon as I got home from the movie, I looked for the book and started reading it. Both the book and movie are amazing. Wow. The actors did aI remember when I saw this movie. It was amazing. I had never really read the book before, but as soon as I got home from the movie, I looked for the book and started reading it. Both the book and movie are amazing. Wow. The actors did a great job, especially whoever played the Chief Elder. :D
-Cloudstar… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

Stargirl04May 15, 2016

I usually don't love dystopia type movies or books but this was one we had to read in school when I was younger and I enjoyed the book then and I enjoyed the movie now. I thought it was pretty well done. Nothing in the story is necessarilyI usually don't love dystopia type movies or books but this was one we had to read in school when I was younger and I enjoyed the book then and I enjoyed the movie now. I thought it was pretty well done. Nothing in the story is necessarily new or unexpected but I enjoyed it.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Tss5078May 20, 2017

It was the Nebula award winning novel that took the science fiction world by storm. Almost immediately after it's release, talk of turning The Giver into a feature film began, but turning a complex science fiction story into something generalIt was the Nebula award winning novel that took the science fiction world by storm. Almost immediately after it's release, talk of turning The Giver into a feature film began, but turning a complex science fiction story into something general audiences could enjoy was a big issue. Studio, cast delays, and re-writes held the film up for more than a decade, but in 2014 it was released and it is spectacular! In the not so distant future, on top of a mountain, lays a futurist society in which pain, war, and disease has been eliminated at a huge cost. With all that society has gained, it has lost the ability to exercise individuality and free thought, this effects everyone except for one, The Giver. The Giver is the historian, who keeps the memory of what life used to be like, so that society never forgets that what it's gained far outweighs the cost. The Giver however is old and must train a replacement. At the choosing ceremony, a young teenager named Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) is chosen. Once Jonas learns the truth, he must decide to do the job of The Giver or reveal the truth, in the hopes of bringing back individuality, but at what cost? Originally producers wanted Lloyd Bridges to play the Giver, when he passed, his son took on the role, and while he doesn't fit the mold of an elder statesman, he was still amazing. Meryl Streep also partakes in this magical film, playing the settlements leader, and she is every bit as chilling and suspenseful as the character in the book. At this point, I'm really convinced that there isn't a role she can't play successfully. Even with all the star power, far an away the best performance in this film is given by Brenton Thwaites, a British actor I'd never seen before. Aside from his tremendous good looks, Thwaites portrayal of a teenager with the fate of the world on his shoulders is better than even that of Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games. The passion and charisma he portrays was absolutely infectious and helped carry the film through even the slowest parts. The Bottom Line, the book is a Sci-Fi lovers dream, while the movie is a lot different in order to attract a more mainstream audience, the power and genius of the story remains, and for that The Giver joins our list of must see movies!… Expand