Saturday 21 June 2014

The Fault In Our Stars Review




Movie No. 61 of 2014

It's been couple of days since The Fault In Our Stars was released in the UK, but due to other commitments, I was forced to wait until today to see it. And let me say: it was worth the wait. Not just the 3 day one. I first read the book of which the film was adapted from in January 2012 and I raced through it. Now, 2 and a half years later, I have seen the movie and this chapter is closed. 
Directed by Josh Boone

The film is about two cancer patients, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters who meet at a cancer support group and become smitten with one another. The story takes them around the world to Amsterdam and sees them at their incredible highs and tragic lows.

This movie was incredibly true to the book and any fans of the John Green novel will certainly not be disappointed. The picture really brought my imagination into reality. At certain points, specifically at Augustus' house, it was everything I had ever imagined put in front of me. It was astounding. 

The acting was also incredible, especially from Shailene Woodley who played Hazel. There were moments were simply her presence moved me to tears and her performance seemed so natural and effortless. Ansel Elgort (Augustus) also did a fine job. Again, he brought some heart wrenching moments but for me, Shailene stole the show. Even the character of Isaac, played by Nat Wolff was tremendously well played and if I'm perfectly honest, he deserved a lot more screen time than he was given. 

The soundtrack which featured artists like Ed Sheeran, Birdy and Jake Bugg fitted the visuals seamlessly. I think it was great that young, fresh artists were used for a film specifically targeted at a young, teenage audience.

Obviously, with a story surrounding cancer, there will be some waterworks. BRING TISSUES! The strange thing was, I cried at all the sad parts yeah, yeah...but then the movie ended and I found myself balling my eyes out because I wasn't ready for it to finish. Got a couple of odd looks, not going to lie. It really touched me and I've come away from it wanting to live my life to the fullest, even if 'oblivion is inevitable.'


Favourite Quote (purely for the reason I finally understood it properly after not quite getting it whilst reading the book): I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.