The Fault in Our Stars by John Green has been
a young adult fiction phenomenon. The movie version starring Shailene Woodley
as Hazel Grace Lancaster and Ansel Elgort as Gus is a worthy film. It’s sharp,
sad, plucky, gutsy, and the key to these teens’ lives is to not just be
oblivion. They want to matter and they don’t want their cancer to define them.
Yes, these kids have cancer. No, that’s not the point of the movie. The point
is ultimately teen love, heart, and sheer living with every fiber.
Shailene Woodley continues her streak of tremendous acting.
She’s so smart and so real – her Hazel is snarky, wise, and a passionate girl
who has lung issues that can kill her. Gus – so wise, full of soul, and yes,
he’s darn cute – has a bone cancer that took his leg. But he’s strong and sees
the glow of Hazel. My review is gushy because this is such a great movie. Lots
of laugh out loud lines and moments. Even during some tough breathing times for
Hazel, she’s spunky. That’s the key. While her mother (played by a very good
Laura Dern) tells Hazel to make friends, it’s only out of concern. The mom
wants Hazel to be sorta “normal”, and embraces Gus. He infuses Hazel with
energy and indeed some normalcy.
Hazel and Gus are obsessed with a book by a Peter Van Houten
called The Imperial Affliction. It’s like a defining cancer fiction story. Gus
uses his “make a wish” to take Hazel and her mother to the Netherlands to meet
Van Houten. He (played by Willem Dafoe) is a total jerk, but that’s rather key
to the movie. It strengthens the kids’ relationship and also defines the issue
of living with cancer. They also visit the Anne Frank home and that’s very
powerful as Hazel lugs her oxygen up a zillion teeny steps.
All in all, the movie is a faithful rendition of the book.
Bring tissues. I won’t say more about the plot. The Fault in Our Stars
has depth, great acting, and lessons that don’t pound you over the head, but
should be embraced. See the movie, sniffle a bit, and then enjoy life,
breathe deep, run, love, and avoid oblivion.
I hadn't taken much notice of this film, but you've made it sound better than I was expecting. I'll watch it at home though - I'm a crier, it's embarrassing in public :-)
ReplyDeleteI read the book at my daughter's request and thought it was lovely. Hesitated though, when she wanted me to see the movie, because I knew I wouldn't get through it without a lot of tears. I was right. But, I agree, it was a good rendition of the book.
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