Fandom Freak Out: Divergent(Film Review)

Last week, I went to see Divergent with a friend, wearing my faction colours(blue for Erudite). Admittedly, I didn't have high expectations for this film, after my disappointment over the casting for Four and how the trailer lacked in making me really anticipate this film. At one point, I considered not seeing this adaptation, in fear that it would destroy the image of Veronica Roth's world I had in my head - something I'm extremely glad I didn't stick with, as from the opening sequence, I knew this film was going to be good. So good, in fact, that I managed to throw half a pack of Mini Eggs in the bin as we talked on our way out of the cinema - a blur of excited chatter about what may happen in the next instalment.

 

 

Set in dystopia Chicago, the city has been divided up into five factions based on human traits: Abnegation(the selfless), Amity(the peaceful), Candor(the honest), Dauntless(the brave) and Erudite(the intellectual). Sixteen year old Beatrice Prior, played by Shailene Woodley, does not fit in. She is Divergent; and to save her life she must hide in a faction where nobody will find her. Director Neil Burger has brought to life an incredibly detailed world, where the intricate faction-system that I would struggle to explain is easily understood by even those who have never read the books before. Stylistically done, 'Divergent' is thrilling and terrifying; especially when you take a moment to contemplate the future of our own society(or remind the person sitting next to you about the ending to 'Allegiant').

 

Shailene Woodley portrayed Tris faultlessly; I couldn't help but grin to myself every time she delivered a line straight from the book. Woodley captures what Tris is feeling before the Choosing Ceremony perfectly - just from the admiration you see when Dauntless run past. In the book, Tris is not this intentionally strong character, and you see her grow throughout training - a transition you really see in the film, despite it being much shorter than the five-hundred page novel. Woodley, as she leaves behind her character's Abnegation traits, is unflinching and powerful, demanding every moment of your attention. Theo James, without a doubt, was Four; taking his hard and cold demeanour and bringing it to the screen alongside Woodley. The way their relationship developed was one aspect of the film I adored - along with the inclusion of Ellie Goulding in the films score.

 

Let's talk about the supporting-cast! Zoë Kravitz captured Christina's character perfectly, with the right level of wit and humour, while Ansel Elgort(Caleb), Miles Teller(Peter) and Ray Stevenson(Marcus) brought their characters alive effortlessly. Peter's character was sarcastic and bitter; I grew to both love and hate him. Jai Courtney(Eric) chilled me to the bone - along with Kate Winslet(Jeanine Matthews) who was the intimidating figure I imagined Jeanine Matthews as while reading.  

Throughout the reviews I've read, the cinematography has been applauded, and from the opening sequence(which was breath-taking) you could see the effort that had gone into adapting Roth's world to the screen; opening up the world that fans of the novel have been craving a look at for years. From simulations to zip-lining and climbing a Ferris wheel, it was all believable - and visually stunning to watch. Finally, though, we have an adaptation that stays true to the book, only deviating slightly at the end to make it better. Going into the cinema, I knew that the ending was different, but it's not to a huge extent. Instead, it's an unimaginable scale of action and excitement, where Woodley and Winslet steal every shot.

 

 

My only complaint? The initiation process took up a huge portion of the film with little actually happening. As much as I thought having all of the smaller details in there went well, at that point the tension dropped slightly.

 

4 Stars

 

Have you see 'Divergent'? What was your favourite scene?

Tell me in the comments!

Fandom Freak-Out: Anticipating Divergent

I'm yet to see the adaptation of Veronica Roth's novel, as it has only been released in the US so far. I won't say I'm not hesitant when it comes to this movie - I absolutely loved the whole trilogy - as that would be lying. Instead, I watch the trailers and TV spots and can't help but think that the Choosing Ceremony is extremely similar to the Reaping from the 'Hunger Games' and that it has turned into a blockbuster rather than a faithful adaptation of an amazing novel - which shouldn't have to be changed. Even though I say these things, there are parts of the trailer that do make me excited, that make think, "This could be good" - such as Shailene Woodley in her role as Tris, the Ferris Wheel scene and the simulations. So, this is why I've decided to talk about some of the scenes I'm anticipating, as despite being 'nervous' when it comes to seeing the film, I'll be going out on March 4th to watch regardless.

 

One of my most anticipated group of scenes are all the simulations - especially when the one where Tris finds herself surrounded by crows attacking her, which we get a glimpse of in the trailer. The simulation involving the crows seems to have been executed perfectly from what I have seen already, along with when Tris finds herself trapped in a box, and shatters it into small glass fragments. Four's fear-landscape is also one I'm looking forward to quite a bit, when you find out his four fears - for which he got his name - it's quite a powerful scene, especially when Marcus gets involved. With the special-effects, I think these will be the scenes that I enjoy the most, particularly when Tris goes through Four's with him. Since the relationship between Four and Marcus plays such a vital role in the next films/books, this is an important scene that I hope they nail. I wouldn't like to experience the serum myself, though! I really can't imagine how many fears I would have, but I can take a guess, and it would be a nightmare. Literally.

 

Tris' first jump is what defines her as Dauntless, and shows the transgression from her Abnegation self to a rebellious, confident, young women. The jump is dramatic, especially since it's from a building several metres high, but what really stroke me when reading was what happens when she reaches the bottom, and how she becomes first jumper, changing her name in the process and becoming 'Tris' - leaving Beatrice behind. Dauntless Initiation is such a tough-phase for Shailene's character, and I'm early awaiting see the knife-throwing scene, how Eric makes Christina hang from the chasm, and the reaction to a 'stiff' being at the top of the leader-board. I was in love with the world a lot when reading so, when we enter Dauntless head-quarters for the first time, I know my heart will be pounding.

 

When reading Divergent, I adored the game of 'Capture the Flag' that the Dauntless took part in, and I think this will be such a fun scene in quite a serious film. I think I'll be exciting, and even though I know who wins, in the  book this was something I remembered - and still do, even though I last read Divergent in October 2012(which was a year and a half ago). Why else do I love this scene? As it follows straight through to where Tris and Four climb the Ferris Wheel, which I think will look incredible in the scene, as it was filmed where the author set it in the book. That fact makes it all the more special, and so accurate, as this is where the scene was really set. Shailene has impressed me beyond what I expected with the clips I've seen, and even though I'm not cheering about the choice of casting for Four, this will be the scene where I will make my decision on what I really think about the casting.

 

The ending of Divergent is heart-breaking - yet something that is incredibly structured and put together in the book. In cinema, they can achieve so much, and seeing all of the Dauntless there, and also how they have adapted it to fit in with the 12A rating it has is something I'm excited about. The conclusion was my favourite part, in a good way, and at that point, your really understand how a character - a person - can be all of the factions, and how they can have many traits and qualities.

 

As a huge fan of the series, I'm definitely going to be looking for book-quotes and details like Tris' tattoos of the three birds. There have been countless book adaptations that have ignored the smaller-parts that make a character them. I want to be able to see the tattoos decorating Four's back, I want to see Tris jump from the net and land, only to contemplate her name first, I want to see her stop and think before her blood drops onto the burning rocks of Dauntless.

 

Which scene from Divergent are you most excited to see?

If you're in the US, what was your favourite part?

 

Tell me in the comments but,

without spoiling the movie!

Book Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth(No Spoilers)

Allegiant; what can I say about you? The final instalment of Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy was a reading-experience I won't be forgetting for a while. I went into this book after reading awful reviews, and knowing that there would be an ending I would either love, or more likely hate, but I really enjoyed the conclusion! I will admit that there were problems within this novel, including the fact that Tobias' point-of-view was too similar to that of our main protagonist Tris to sink into the story, but I couldn't help but continue to turn-the-pages. This review will be made up of nothing more than incoherent thoughts.

 

She must make her final choice...

 

The faction-based society that Tris Power once believe in is shattered - fractured by violence and power-struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world outside the limits she's known, Tris is reading. Perhaps beyond the fence she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties and painful memories.

 

But Tris's new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Synopsis from: Goodreads

 

As I mentioned above, I went into this book knowing that it would most likely be a complete disappointment, and the ending I have been waiting for since I first picked up Divergent over a year ago would end up in shards - unable to pick up the pieces. This means that I began Allegiant with low expectations, all of which disappeared as I got deeper and deeper into the intricate and detailed plot and premise that Veronica Roth had set up, and the truth about dystopian Chicago was found-out. Personally, for someone who loves knowing every-little-detail, this was a perfect choice by Roth, as not only did shock-revelations(and I promise you, these were certainly not what I was expected) make you gasp, but you were left with no questions. I put this book down content with how it ended - and trying to come to terms with what I'd just read.

 

This certainly though, was an emotional and heart-wrenching story, that will at times have you at the edge of your seat and when the climax comes, make tears - a lot of them - run down your face. I'll admit the writing was not the best I have ever read, especially when reading from Four's perspective, and even though the dual narrative did work to widen the world, I always wanted to go back to Tris' point-of-view. Tris is always going to be - despite the series finishing - one of my favourite heroines, as Roth created this character who never let anything get in her way. She was reckless in Insurgent, something I didn't necessarily like, but in Allegiant you could see she had grown up so much since the first time we met her, and the transaction made a person full of wisdom and courage, who thought about the consequences.  I'm sure that, what makes a reader admire Tris, is that she feels guilty for her actions, she feels grief and most of all, she feels upset and insecure, like she is too small for the world around her but has to step-up.

Four's perspective being included also allowed you to see more of his personality but, I didn't feel like the characterisation was as strong as it could have been or that Tobias had developed his own voice; it came across as feminine, and too similar to Tris'. Even so, I think it helped the progression and pace a lot; the romance between the pair was also tested, and was interesting to see from two perspectives. The romance was slightly 'sickly-sweet', for lack of a better word, during a large part of this novel. I'm really glad it did pick up - and just at the right point.

I loved the development of this story and world, and to talk about it is a struggle without revealing anything that could be seen as a spoiler. Characters that you don't know much about from the first books are looked at more in-depth, and you really get a sense of who they are. Christina became a loyal best-friend, and I think her and Tris' friendship was executed brilliantly; not cheesy or over-done, it was the small things and the forgiveness after Tris killed Will at the end of Divergent. Other secondary characters that I began to learn more about - not necessarily care about, you'll find out when you read some of the names - were: Marcus, Evelyn, Caleb and of course, Cara. The new additions were mostly great, although there were quite a few of them and I did find myself confused. One thing I don't like to do while I'm reading is have to turn back and hunt down where the characters are introduced again, and then doubt myself for the rest of the book.

On this note, the plot was planned-perfectly, having enough to constantly keep me entertained and wanting to know more. There was always something going on - along with twists and turns in fast-paced plot, where readers will not be able to see where it is going to go, and even when the ending is revealed, they will not believe it. It deals with so many important factors: self-sacrifice, most prominently, love and loss, all stood out for me, as well as dealing with grief and relationships. Everything made sense and what had been said previously by the characters worked toward an ending that stuck to their word completely.
 

Now, I think I should take about the ending, which is still indescribable a week after I finished the novel. I could never describe my thoughts for you, but I applaud Roth for ending the series the way she wanted to, and for writing it beautifully, while also breaking my heart. For an author to make someone feel so much emotion - it's incredible, as it shows she, over the course of the series, made me connect with her characters and their flaws. It's raw and real - and did not disappoint, it's reckless too, but well-justified and means the story made a lot more sense. My emotions scattered everywhere but, Veronica Roth, it was one of the most powerful endings I have ever read. Finally, there was an epilogue I adored! This was amazing!

 

Have you read Allegiant yet? What did you think of the ending?
How many tissues did you need? Would you like to see a spoiler-filled reaction?

I found myself crying in a maths exam, as I started day-dreaming mid-question and came back to Allegiant. Oops! I did pass though, so it's not too bad.

Please avoid spoiling the ending in the comments for people who haven't yet read the book.

Books I'd Like to see From Another POV

This is a post I really wanted to write since I'm on a night's break from Revision. I've been thinking a lot lately about what books I would love to see from another characters' perspective. I always seem to think, when a character makes a sudden reappearance, "Where have you been?" or "What happened?". Have you got any books you would like to see written from another point of view? I certainly do!

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins(Peeta & Gale's perspective) This is a tough one, as I would like to see all of the books from different perspectives but, I think the main one for me would be to see Peeta retelling the tale of the 74th Annual Games. I would love to see how he was able to escape Cato, how much he loves Katniss and how he was able to camouflage himself in the mud. He has such a gentleness to him, I'd like to see his point of view of being chosen for the games.

 

 

As for Mockingjay, I would devour a book from Gale's perspective. For people who have read the series, wouldn't you want to know what part he played in the heart-breaking run-up to the ending? I still want to know what thoughts went through his mind, and if anything was it all his fault.

 

Small Blue Thing by S.C Ransom(From Callum's perspective) Small Blue Thing is such a beautiful romance story, and Callum(who is a Dirge stuck in a half-life on misery) would be a brilliant character to get to read about. I would love to dig-deeper into the world of the Dirge's. I found the whole concept so interesting throughout the series, I think being able to find out more about the secrets of St Pauls Cathedral would be amazing. What about the moment he realises Alex has found the amulet, and he has a chance of freedom? I want to read this!

 

Divergent/Insurgent by Veronica Roth(Jeanine Mathews Novella) I wouldn't like to read a whole book from Jeanine's perspective but, I'd be first-in-line to purchase a novella. Getting inside her mind and seeing why exactly she decided to control the factions the way she does would be so interesting. Or maybe the novel from Caleb's or Tori's point of view, I think they are such complex characters, I mean, why did Caleb pick Erudite? The mysteries of novels! Who knows, maybe we'll find out in Allegiant!

 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green(From Augustus Waters' perspective) It's hard to mention his name without feeling your eyes brim with tears but wouldn't a The Fault in Our Stars novella from his perspective be so touching. There is so much wisdom when it comes to Augustus and he can see the brighter side of everything. I'd love to read his words, they would be a masterpiece! And John Green I'm sure would be able to write this!

 

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (All with Ridley Duchannes) It would be difficult to have the whole plot told by her, but how evil(and I admit, fun) would it be to read from her POV. All the mischief and plans she makes. It would be a fast-paced, and slightly scary, but completely worth it read!

 

Geek Girl by Holly Smale(From Lion Boy's Perspective) Can you imagine how hilarious it would be to read Geek Girl from the boy Harriet meets under a table? His reaction when she started to try to explain herself would be priceless and have tears streaming down my face from the laughter and then the moment he finds her hyper-ventilating into a crisp packet. When you need a light-hearted and fun read this would be perfect. I completely fell in love with Harriet, Lion Boy and Toby of course and anymore I could grab from this cast would always be worth the read! Imagine if he felt as embarrassed as Harriet did!

 

What books would you like to read from anther POV?

 

Book Review: Divergent Veronica Roth

"Three flying birds,

One for each member of the family I left behind"

In a divided futuristic society, everyone must conform. Forced to choose a faction: Abnegation: the selfless, Candor: the honest, Erudite: the intelligent, Amity: the peaceful or Dauntless, the brave or face being factionless:sixteen year old Beatrice Prior does not fit. Torn between her family and where she thinks she belongs, she ventures out alone, changing her name to Tris as, you can alone choose your name again once. Tris is shocked by her brutal new life and the tough challenges that she is facing,. Yes, Tris is drawn to a mysterious boy who both protects and threatens her. Faced with a fatal secret, dangerous secret that no one can know Tris needs to know the truth. Not able to trust those closest to her Tris needs answers. She needs to know the consequences to this dark secret and discover who she really is. Along with, where she belongs. Tris turns to face the future in world that's falling apart but the hardest choices lie ahead.

This was a heart-racing, perfectly plotted novel by Veronica Roth.  Divergent has dark secrets, mysterious characters and a strong character in Tris. Divergent has exciting twists and turns in it's fast-paced plot. This emotional plot will keep you in constant suspense as Tris discovers the consequences. The determined main character and the mysterious boy, Four all grip you to this exciting plot with a truly page-turning a quick-paced ending. Tris has very strong and truthful emotions gave her the true aspects of a teenage-girl but in a brutal world where you have to live your life a certain way. The Headquarters of Tris' faction for example had very detailed descriptions that gave you a clear picture in your head of what they could look like. This story kept me gripped right through to immesely exciting conclusion. I loved the build up to the cliff-hanger that built up so much tension. The factions were hard to remeber at times but once you know them the story flows. There is both violence and threat in Divergent that could be upsetting so I don't recommend this book to any younger readers too. Onto Insurgent!

Recommended age: 13+

Rating: 5/5