Books to Movies
When a book I like is made into a movie, I’m always a little apprehensive. Often, I’m disappointed. But sometimes, I’m surprised by a job well done.
I read Divergent by Veronica Roth and reviewed it last year. I saw the film Saturday and recommend it. However, I give it the same caveat as I gave the book: it’s violent, which is consistent with the dystopian world and the theme, but it’s not appropriate for everyone.
I do know many reviewers are knocking the movie. Critics did the same with the book, saying it was another version of The Hunger Games. I read the book anyway, and I was glad it did.
Negative Reviews of the movie are saying:
1) It’s like all other YA dystopian movies and books;
2) It’s a stereotype YA film and follows a formula;
3) It wouldn’t exist without the success of Hunger Games.
All that may or may not be true because Hollywood tends to ride the waves of successful movies. Is Divergent wildly creative and outside the box? No, but it’s an excellent story with characters I cared about. What can I say? When I started the book, I stayed up most of the night reading.
My Recommendation
If you read and liked the book, you’ll enjoy the movie. It stays true to the book. Film is a different medium and cannot address everything in the book, so you might find something you loved was left out. There are a couple tidbits I would have added, but overall, it delivered. If you haven’t read the book and like dystopian movies, go see it. It’s action-packed with some edge-of-your-seat moments. Plus, there’s instantaneous chemistry and romance.
Here are a few things the movie got right:
1) The casting and acting are right on the mark.
2) The leads, Shailene Woodley (Beatrice “Tris” Prior) and Theo James (Tobias “Four” Eaton), did an excellent job; they also, had some pretty good chemistry, and the love story worked.
3) The script stayed true to the story and didn’t try to do some weird Hollywood thing to improve and jazz things up, which usually fails.
4) The setting and costumes were just as I imagined.
I heard someone say the movie was better than the book. I wouldn’t go that far, but it does create an awesome visual representation of the story. If you want more of this world and these characters, read the books.
What do you think? Did you love/hate the book? The movie? Do you agree with the negative critics? Leave a comment. I’m interested in knowing your thoughts.
You might also enjoy this post: “Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth”
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