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If you think that the world that George Orwell created in 1984 was a rigid one they were positively hedonistic compared to the society shown in The Giver. Playing the title role is Jeff Bridges who is called that because he has a very special duty to be the one entrusted with the memories of the past. The ruling body of the society has to be able to refer to the past to be guided in making decisions. But we can't have everyone knowing about lest they long for the good things of the past. It's all been abolished the good and the bad, conformity and sameness is the order of things. Color is not even allowed everyone wears drab clothing like they were in prison. The family is abolished, kids are born and then assigned to nurturers, women particularly go into that occupation and it is an occupation like being a plumber.

A new group of young people are being given new assignments and young Brendon Thwaites sits eagerly awaiting his occupation. He gets the prize as he is chosen to be the Receiver of all the past knowledge from Bridges. His training is to telepathically connect with Bridges all the experiences of the past, the good and the bad.

The use of color in film is never thought of this day, it's simply assumed that films now will be photographed that way. But The Giver takes its place along side Schindler's List and Pleasantville in using color sparingly and to make a point. Color comes into Thwaites world as it has been in Bridges' and the equation of knowledge with color is a point well made.

When Thwaites decides that there's something more out there than what he's grown up with, society shakes. None other than chief elder Meryl Streep wants measures to be taken to stop Thwaites from questioning the order of things.

Thwaits, Streep, and Bridges head a cast that tells a thought provoking tale of curiosity and rebellion and curiosity in seeking something better always proceeds rebellion. The film ends abruptly and I suspect there's some box office soundings being taken to see if a sequel is to be made. I hope one is, but if it's not The Giver can certainly stand on its own.

What a simple, yet beautiful film. It is by all accounts, what should quantify and qualify as the real definition of a "feel good" movie.

I can only imagine that those who rated this subtle, unembellished, yet exquisitely moving film any lower than a 7, have lost the ability to be moved by anything.

As for me, I am so glad I live, love, laugh and feel.

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... A definite must-watch when you want both to smile, and for your heart to ache just a little.

Moving and attractive Sci-Fi set in a dystopian society in which a brave teenager takes on lots of dangers and a horrible truth . This exciting flick boasts a good cast , that's why it will appeal to Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges fans , who're really terrific . Thrilling film dealing with an allegedly perfect dystopian society in which an intelligent adolescent becomes involved into lots of dangers, risks, emotion and chases . Set in the far-future, following a great war called "The Ruin", a community in North America has lived in tranquility without the existence of emotions or color, as these would produce conflicts. The citizens have also had their memories wiped. We follow young teenager called Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) , as he rides his bike with his two best friends Asher (Cameron Monaghan) and Fiona (Odeya Rush). The society Jonas lives in is a peaceful one, in large part because their collective memories have been entrusted to the Giver (Jeff Bridges). Jonas lives at a tranquil home with his father (Alexander Skarsgård) , mother (Katie Holmes) and younger sister Lilly (Emma Tremblay) . It is the day before their Ceremony in which they will be assigned their positions in the community, something that makes Jonas rather nervous. As Jonas realizes that his only hope of saving the ones he loves most is to flee and he will be forced to make complex choices about sacrifice, loyaly, courage, love , redemption and allegiance. He searches answers beyond the wall borders , unlocks secrets , and, finally, discovering the shocking truth, as he comes to realize that everything he knows is a lie. You can make things better !.

This is a Science Fiction and drama film based on Lois Lowry's book and an interesting script from Michael Mitnick and Robert B. Weide . This fiilm contains thrills , a sensitive love story , breathtaking state-of-art-special effects, enough characterization , and violent happenings . Here our starring Jonas learns that the wisdom he now holds could dictate the fate of the entire society. As Jonas faces one impossible challenge after another, as he unreveals the truth about the past and, ultimately, the meaning of the strange and mysterious location beyond wall , as well as the dark future on his sad world . And finally, the conclusion in an unexpected denouement . Stars Brenton Thwaites as the valiant teen who learns that the wisdom he now holds could dictate the fate of the entire society. Thwaites gives nice acting as the brave teen who is really haunted by new visions , as well as he must confront the tyrannical dictatorship . There stands out Jeff Bridges as a mysterious yet seemingly benevolent figure, the Giver is the sole guardian of the community's dark and hidden history. Accompanied by a very good cast , such as : Meryl Streep , Alexander Skarsgård , Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush, Cameron Monaghan, Emma Tremblay and singer Taylor Swift.

The picture has a colorful and brilliant cinematography by Ross Emery. And a thrilling and rousing musixal score by Marco Beltrami . The motion picture was compellingly directed by Phillip Noyce . He is a good professional director who has got some successes as cinema as TV. Expert Australian director filmed compellingly this successful Dead Calm (1989) , starring Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill and Billy Zane , it brought Noyce to Hollywood, where he directed 6 films over the next decade , including Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and present danger (1994) starring Harrison Ford, and The bone collector (1999) , starring Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. And following other hits as The Quiet man, The Giver , Rabbit-proof-fence , Catch a fire , Above suspicion , among others . As Noyce has directed notorious films as : Patriot games, Clear and present danger and TV series and episodes as Billion, Books, the jury TV, The asset TV, among others . Noyce's smoothly persuasive direction attracts reception by the public and being a success at box office . Rating : 7/10, better than average .Well worth watching. Rating : above average. This decent Science Fiction movie that will appeal to teenagers.

I know, I know, that score makes you want to hate on me already. First, let me say that I have read the book and really enjoyed it. It was thought provoking, emotionally engaging, and intelligent. Second, while I enjoyed the book, I am not passionate about it like some people are. So I went into the movie with a completely open mind, just wanting to experience the movie.

First, the positives. Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep are fantastic as expected. Both bring wonderful layers to their character. Also, the use of going from black and white to color was used real well to demonstrate what the characters see. The film looks good and is acted well.

Now my complaints. First of all, the setup of the supporting characters felt off to me. The society they live in have a certain set of rules that everyone follows because they were taught to their whole lives. But all the characters broke the rules multiple times in the beginning of the film. That takes you out of the overall feeling the movie is supposed to give you, the message it has to offer.

Next, while the book got you emotionally attached to Jonas and what is happening to him, the movie falls flat. Their are certain moments that have to have the audience fully involved emotionally, but just don't. That is a big negative unfortunately, because you want to care, but the film is too lazy setting you up for the emotional blow.

Finally, the pacing is way off. The middle part with Jonas coming to the realization of what is really going on, is rushed and he makes up his mind like that. That is the most important part of the movie, and sadly it is rushed. Then the movie slows down, and that leads to a VERY anti-climactic ending.

Overall, if you are a die hard fan of the book, then obviously you should see it. Who knows, I may be the only one who doesn't drink the coolade for this movie. But the tone and storytelling are to sloppy and the movie fails to get you emotionally attached. So the result is a mediocre film for me. I still recommend you see for yourself, but just ask yourself: Did I love the movie or did I want to love the movie because of the book?

After the Ruin, the Community was build as an utopia where everybody is the same, emotions are suppressed and memories of the past are restricted. When Jonas turns 18, he's selected to be the community's Receiver of Memories. His best friends Fiona and Asher also turn 18. He goes to train with The Giver (Jeff Bridges) to learn the memories of the past. Meryl Streep plays the Chief Elder. Katie Holmes and Alexander Skarsgård play Jonas' parents. The previous Receiver Rosemary (Taylor Swift) 10 years ago came to a tragic end.

The idea of colors and memories are interesting. I especially like the idea of memories which reminds me a little of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'. This is not nearly as artistic or compelling. There is just enough that one gets a small taste of something much better and what this could have been.

I also have questions about this world. This world feels incomplete like the author explained it in a paragraph and the reader fills in the gap. The movie just hasn't filled those gaps with enough precision. I do have to praise this franchise. It seems to be a little bit more ambitious than the others but I wouldn't say it's complete. Also it fails as a movie to be intense. The climax is there but without much excitement. The final scene is really just asking for a sequel which is probably not coming.

The acting is functional. Most of them are required to be distant and controlled. Jeff Bridges, Odeya Rush and Brenton Thwaites are the only ones required to act out emotions. Meryl Streep may actually be acting too much. I have to say that I like Katie Holmes acting removed which kind of fits her. Thwaites is asked to calibrate his acting and he does a reasonable job. Rush is pretty effective and quite touching. Jeff Bridges is doing basically the same note.