The Book:
“The Giver” is the first book in The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry. The story follows the experiences of a 12 year old boy named Jonas as he lives in Sameness with his family and fellow community members. The people exist in a (supposed) utopian society where everyone is equal and all are spared the pain of consequences that result from choices, memories, and even inclement weather. In an effort to reach Sameness and protection from accountability, people have even lost the ability to see colors or hear music. At age 12, each child in the community receives the assignment that they will fulfill throughout his or her adult life. At the ceremony, Jonas is selected as the Receiver of Memory. As Jonas receives more and more memories from The Giver, he realizes that having the freedom of choice, acceptance of consequences, and memories are essential parts of the human experience. He comes to realize that the perfection of his world is really a prison. The utopia is, in reality, a dystopian society that no longer has an understanding of basic human values such as the sanctity of life.
I’ll be honest, I HATED the book when I first read it in elementary school because I was so shocked and upset by the horrible things that go on in the book. However, in rereading the book I found that though events were still upsetting, I was also able to appreciate the warning and lesson that can be learned from the story: that memories are part of being human; that becoming “equal” does not translate to happiness; and that pain, sorrow, fear, sickness, guilt are part of the human experience just as joy, forgiveness, humor, healing, and peace are.
The Movie:
Overall, I thought that the movie did a good job of showing the world of “The Giver”. I thought that the gradual increase of color as Jonas receives memories from The Giver is similar to how I imagined it while reading. I also thought that the images that are shown as Jonas receives memories are powerful—made me what to travel more. Wanderlust!
I liked the actor that played Jonas and thought he did a great job BUT I was upset that he and his friends are all way older than 12—18 or something. NO! I liked the fact that in the book, even a 12 can realize right and wrong and be a hero so I was sad the movie changes the ages.
I thought the love story was annoying—never happened. Also, Fiona is supposed to take care of old people not babies. Which reminds me, Drone Pilot??? What the. Asher is the leader of recreational activities or something in the book. In the book, Jonas basically never interacts with his school friends after the ceremony much less falling in love and getting thrown into a river by a magnetic drone...
“The Giver” is the first book in The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry. The story follows the experiences of a 12 year old boy named Jonas as he lives in Sameness with his family and fellow community members. The people exist in a (supposed) utopian society where everyone is equal and all are spared the pain of consequences that result from choices, memories, and even inclement weather. In an effort to reach Sameness and protection from accountability, people have even lost the ability to see colors or hear music. At age 12, each child in the community receives the assignment that they will fulfill throughout his or her adult life. At the ceremony, Jonas is selected as the Receiver of Memory. As Jonas receives more and more memories from The Giver, he realizes that having the freedom of choice, acceptance of consequences, and memories are essential parts of the human experience. He comes to realize that the perfection of his world is really a prison. The utopia is, in reality, a dystopian society that no longer has an understanding of basic human values such as the sanctity of life.
I’ll be honest, I HATED the book when I first read it in elementary school because I was so shocked and upset by the horrible things that go on in the book. However, in rereading the book I found that though events were still upsetting, I was also able to appreciate the warning and lesson that can be learned from the story: that memories are part of being human; that becoming “equal” does not translate to happiness; and that pain, sorrow, fear, sickness, guilt are part of the human experience just as joy, forgiveness, humor, healing, and peace are.
The Movie:
Overall, I thought that the movie did a good job of showing the world of “The Giver”. I thought that the gradual increase of color as Jonas receives memories from The Giver is similar to how I imagined it while reading. I also thought that the images that are shown as Jonas receives memories are powerful—made me what to travel more. Wanderlust!
I liked the actor that played Jonas and thought he did a great job BUT I was upset that he and his friends are all way older than 12—18 or something. NO! I liked the fact that in the book, even a 12 can realize right and wrong and be a hero so I was sad the movie changes the ages.
I thought the love story was annoying—never happened. Also, Fiona is supposed to take care of old people not babies. Which reminds me, Drone Pilot??? What the. Asher is the leader of recreational activities or something in the book. In the book, Jonas basically never interacts with his school friends after the ceremony much less falling in love and getting thrown into a river by a magnetic drone...
I thought there were so many strange inconsistencies with the Chief Elder. I think there potentially could have been some interesting character development but it wasn’t well thought out. The Chief Elder certainly (and incorrectly) seems to have many more memories than anyone else in the community.
I liked the way they designed the houses and streets and things in the movie but I thought the floating island thing was so weird. Why?? In the book, the people visit other communities. A little difficult when you live on a floating island thing.
I thought that Jonas’ father was very accurate but I thought that his mother was incorrectly portrayed. She showed way too much emotion for the plot.
I love T Swift as much as the next person but WHY is she randomly in this movie? I think that someone else would have done a better job in that role!
I watched the interview with Lois Lowry in the bonus features and some of my annoyances while watching the movie faded because she either had input in the change or approved of it. I mean, she is the CREATOR of this world so I guess if Lois is fine with it, I’m fine. In particular, Lois liked that the screenwriters further developed the character of the Chief Elder (played by Meryl Streep). Lois also really loved how many more memories they showed Jonas receiving. She also liked the cinematography involved in Jonas’ escape at the end—agreed Lois, agreed.
I liked the way they designed the houses and streets and things in the movie but I thought the floating island thing was so weird. Why?? In the book, the people visit other communities. A little difficult when you live on a floating island thing.
I thought that Jonas’ father was very accurate but I thought that his mother was incorrectly portrayed. She showed way too much emotion for the plot.
I love T Swift as much as the next person but WHY is she randomly in this movie? I think that someone else would have done a better job in that role!
I watched the interview with Lois Lowry in the bonus features and some of my annoyances while watching the movie faded because she either had input in the change or approved of it. I mean, she is the CREATOR of this world so I guess if Lois is fine with it, I’m fine. In particular, Lois liked that the screenwriters further developed the character of the Chief Elder (played by Meryl Streep). Lois also really loved how many more memories they showed Jonas receiving. She also liked the cinematography involved in Jonas’ escape at the end—agreed Lois, agreed.
Winner: Book!
Images from: http://www.methodstudios.com/work/the-giver-1, http://www.cinemagia.ro/filme/the-giver-488055/imagini/1536224/, http://cinefex.com/blog/giver/, http://www.psdgraphics.com/3d/gold-trophy-cup/, http://www.redbox.com/movies/the-giver, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3636.The_Giver
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