The Giver

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Emily B I watched this so-called “movie” in my 8th grade English class. My friend and I both agreed we hated it. Letter Grade: F Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 06/05/25 Full Review centi p Feels like fanfiction that should've stayed on Wattpad. The movie skims over important moments in the original book, and only covers surface level themes of The Giver. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 05/24/25 Full Review fiona n My 15yr old daughter watches this today and she has come home and told me how much she enjoyed it and how great it was to watch in English class today. Her recommendations are always accurate, So it’s one I’ll definitely be watching myself when I get the chance and is on my to watch list! 😀 Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/21/25 Full Review Deb J I've read the book: And it's absolutely awesome. I couldn't put it down - and the plot line was interesting & creative. The movie does have some noticeable changes; but I can't complain. Even if it's different, it was a great movie and I think most people will enjoy. In the book they are years younger, but I think it makes sense if they are 18 (like they are in the movie). Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/17/25 Full Review 29Joshua D Certainly! Here's a review highlighting the ways in which the "The Giver" movie adaptation falls short of the original book: --- **Review: Why "The Giver" Movie Fails to Live Up to the Book** The film adaptation of Lois Lowry's acclaimed novel "The Giver" attempts to bring the dystopian world of Jonas to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short in capturing the depth, nuance, and emotional resonance of the original book. Several key issues contribute to its shortcomings as a faithful adaptation. **1. Loss of Depth and Complexity:** The novel immerses readers in a carefully constructed society, exploring themes of memory, emotion, and individual freedom. The movie, constrained by runtime and visual storytelling limitations, simplifies many of these themes, leading to a superficial understanding of the society's oppressive nature. Crucial philosophical questions and moral dilemmas are glossed over, reducing the story to a more straightforward adventure. **2. Shallow Character Development:** In the book, Jonas's internal struggles and growth are portrayed with rich detail, allowing readers to connect deeply with his character. The film, however, presents characters in a more surface-level manner, making it difficult to feel invested in their journeys. Jonas's transformation feels rushed and lacks the emotional weight that the book masterfully conveyed. **3. Visual and Artistic Choices:** While the film's visual design aims to depict a sterile, controlled environment, it often feels muted and uninspired. The lack of vibrant color and the minimalistic aesthetic fail to evoke the emotional contrast present in the book, where memories of color, music, and emotion play a vital role in Jonas's awakening. **4. Narrative Alterations:** Certain plot points and revelations from the book are either altered or omitted entirely, diminishing the story's impact. These changes often undermine the buildup of suspense and the thematic messages about freedom and individuality. **5. Missed Opportunities for Emotional Impact:** The novel's poignant moments—such as Jonas receiving memories of love, pain, and beauty—are powerful because of their depth and context. The movie struggles to recreate this emotional intensity, resulting in a less memorable and less meaningful experience. **Conclusion:** While "The Giver" film attempts to bring Lois Lowry's dystopian world to audiences unfamiliar with the book, it ultimately fails to capture the complexity and emotional depth that make the novel a thought-provoking classic. Fans of the original story may find the movie disappointing, as it simplifies and sanitizes the profound themes that made the book impactful. --- Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 05/16/25 Full Review Tyler S I thought the concept was really good. The main thing I thought that held this movie back was that it was wayyyyy to short. Now, I haven't read this book in like 6/7 years so I knew the general concept. With such a complicated story, I kinda wished they would've made it longer to better develop characters and the story more. But thanks to having a tiny bit of experience with the book, it was fine, but nowhere near perfect. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/17/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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