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| The Fault in Our Stars, 2014. Directed by Josh BOONE. USA: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation |
The Fault in Our Stars
is a romantic drama based on the bestselling novel by John Green. After falling
in love with the book just over a year ago now, I was extremely excited to see
how the movie would turn out. I wasn't disappointed. Living in the UK, I had to
wait longer than many audiences to be able to see the movie however I was lucky
enough to be able to attend a special fan screening a week early at my local
Odeon.
The film follows the story of a superhero of a different
kind; Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley). A bright and intelligent 16
year old who was diagnosed with cancer at 13 who has since been connected to oxygen
tank that she must carry with her everywhere. But this strong female
protagonist will not let her illness define her. Every week Hazel reluctantly attends
a support group for cancer survivors and it is here where she meets Augustus
Waters (Ansel Elgort); a strapping teenage guy who has lost part of a leg to
cancer. He and Hazel connect almost instantly and before you know it become the
most lovable couple you have ever seen on screen.
For me, what makes this film so incredible (aside from how
true it is to the novel) is the amazing cast. Woodley has been a favourite
actress of mine since The Decedents and
The Spectacular Now. I am extremely
grateful that she begged for the part, I cannot imagine anybody else doing a
better job of it. She is wise, funny and vulnerable. Meanwhile, Elgort portrays
an incredible Gus. In his first big movie role aside from playing Woodley’s
brother in this years’ Divergent, Elgort
does a flawless job at making the entire audience fall in love with him.
Dishing out adorably romantic lines such as “It would be a privilege to have my
heart broken by you” and giving off a perfect blend of practicality and optimism,
audiences of all ages will appreciate this enchanting character. And not to forget Nat Wolff's superb portrayal of Isaac. He will never fail to make you smile even when all you want to do is cry your heart out. (Be sure to look out for Wolff in the leading role of Paper Towns; another fantastic John Green story being adapted for the big screen).
For me the film was perfect however many people who have not
read the book often criticise a particular scene in Amsterdam. I have heard on
more than one occasion people assume that the story is comparing cancer
survivors to Jews in World War II, particularly Anne Frank. However I believe
this is a misreading. Hazel and Gus are not being compared to the Frank family
in a way that suggests they are similar. They are compared to the family in a
way that suggests that if the family could live in hiding and still make
something of their lives, still enjoying themselves and staying optimistic,
then Hazel and Gus have no excuse not to
live their limited lives to the full. I think this is important to understand
during the sequence.
All John Green’s fans will know that this story is an
emotional roller-coaster with plenty of twists. I cannot go into any more detail
than that without giving away spoilers however; it is a poetic yet realistic
take on the beauty and unfairness of life. It celebrates the special moments in
life but never tries to avoid the difficult times. But the beauty doesn't stop
there. It has a fantastic soundtrack featuring some of my favourite artists
including Tom Odell, Ed Sheeran and Grouplove.
This wise teen romance is a story that will hit all ages in
the heart. I have seen the film twice now and both times there wasn't a dry eye
in the house so have a box of tissues at hand. I cannot wait to see more of John Green's incredible stories on the big screen.
