For anyone who has read Lois Lowry’s best-selling novel “The Giver”, the recently released an on-screen rendition does come with its changes, but it is no less mesmerizing than the book.

Like most avid readers, I had my concerns and doubts about how the filmmakers would be able to portray certain parts on the big screen I had already designed so flawlessly in my mind. However, the makers of this film exceeded every one of my expectations. They kept true to the story, yet managed to change small pieces and then reincorporate them in unexpected, creative ways. These small changes, in unison with larger alterations to the core of the story, give the audience more relatable characters and enhance the story line.

The director made a brave move by placing an unknown and rather young cast as the most essential roles in the story. A newer face to the big screen, Brenton Thwaites, who plays the leading role of Jonas, has potential to acquire a prominent standing in the hearts of many fan-girls. Thwaites, along with the rest of the cast, did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life. No movie would be complete without its classic cast members such as Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, who did not break their streak of impressive acting in this film.

If you are up for a daring, beautiful, soul-awakening film then I encourage you to go and watch this movie.

When I first encountered the story, it reminded me of the beauty of humanity and of the simplicity of life which we so often take for granted. Like the characters themselves, this film dares to defy all standards put against it and stands to bring true honor to the dystopian book it parallels.