The Giver movie review

The Giver centers on Jonas, a young man who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Yet as he begins to spend time with The Giver, who is the sole keeper of all the community's memories, Jonas quickly begins to discover the dark and deadly truths of his community's secret past. With this newfound power of knowledge, he realizes that the stakes are higher than imagined - a matter of life and death for himself and those he loves most. At extreme odds, Jonas knows that he must escape their world to protect them all - a challenge that no one has ever succeeded at before. The Giver is based on Lois Lowry's beloved young adult novel of the same name, which was the winner of the 1994 Newbery Medal.

Details:

97 Minutes

By the Weinstein Company

Directed by Phillip Noyce

Rated: PG-13

Released: 2014

Negative Elements:

Well, first of all, I didn't realize that this was a PG-13 movie...it makes me feel a little less inclined to share it. I personally didn't have a problem with anything, but there were some elements you might find uncomfortable.

Some of my family members don't like The Giver at all. They say the plot and story-line is weird. This movie is either a completely like or dislike story, I suppose. =) We're still debating who's right.

But there are no bad words, and the main "iffy" content is violence. (spoilers in white) One character sees scenes of war, gunshots all around him, and death. Someone beside him falls dead with his eyes open, and the character looks down, not realizing what death really is. Yes, it's kinda gruesome. (just one quick scene though.) The movie also shows people shooting at a elephant. The last violent thing to mention is a quiet scene. The community has a practice of euthanizing too-small babies and older adults. One scene shows this discreetly as a man puts a needle into a baby's head (not knowing that the "sleep" is actually death). Another girl almost gets the same fate.

End of spoiler.

So yes, there is violence and death. And while I don't appreciate that part of the movie, it did help me fully realize the truth of The Giver: Despite the pain, the sorrow, and the hardness of the world we live in, life is beautiful.

My Review:

Our family has some controversy about The Giver. =) Most of us will readily agree that it's one of our favorite movies. The others say that it's just weird. So...feel free to choose where you stand. But because I'm writing this review, I give it at least 4.5 stars.

The Giver isn't a Christian movie. It doesn't mention God at all. But the theme of this movie never fails to make me at loss for the beauty God has made. Let me see if I can explain without too many spoilers.

The elders of the land have decided to make a perfect world without pain, famine, war, and jealousy. But as they took those qualities out of life, they also took emotion, beauty, color, music, and love. The world is left with a black and white land of ordinary people doing ordinary things in a world of sameness. The world is better because of these improvements...right? But as one young man begins to receive memories of the past, he sees things in a new way. For the first time, he sees the beauty in life.

After watching The Giver, I'm always amazed. I can't look at the world the same. We have color! We have music! We have emotion and love and joy and friendship! Of course pain hurts and life is difficult. But look at the gifts God has given us. Seriously. We are so very blessed. The day after watching the movie, I always see things differently. I can't help but praise God for everything. Creation displays His glory. I'm so thankful.

Although this is a very unique story-line, and some might consider it "weird", it's one of my favorite movies. It's sad and shows the real pain of life, but it reminds me of the splendor of creation. God is always good. We are so very loved.

Other Notes:

If you're considering watching The Giver, I would recommend glancing over this review. Plugged In is a great site to get honest reviews for movies. They may have mentioned some things I didn't because they didn't stand out to me. (or they weren't prominent in the movie) Because this is a PG-13 movie, be aware of the violence and negative elements.

But I do look forward to seeing it again. The Giver helped me see the beauty of life. It's not a Christian movie, but it helps me see His love more clearly.  I hope it does the same for you.

Behind Life's Curtains

In an hour, I'm going to go to yet another practice for our play Anne of Green Gables.  We'll spend two hours together trying to finalize the first act.  And, in three weeks, we'll be on stage performing the final showcase before an audience.

There's something the audience will never know.  They'll see the mastered play (hopefully, haha), the colorful costumes, and the story we'll portray.  They might be excited or amazed by the acting.  They might enjoy it.

But they won't know what happens behind stage.  The audience won't see the friendships built over months of practicing.  They won't know the silly blunders and embarrassing mistakes we've made.  And they won't know that only weeks before the performance, we didn't even have our lines memorized.

They'll see a play.  They'll go home.  And they'll continue living life.

Sometimes, I think that's what we do too.

We get busy.  We live life, whatever that includes.  Each day fades away as we move on to another.  Then another.

But there's more.  Life holds something beautiful that we often miss.  We spend so much time working to staying on top of our schedules (or catching up on what we've missed) that we fail to see that there's a deeper meaning to life behind the red curtains.

Jesus shares something similar in one of His parables.

Then He said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade." - Mark 4:30-32

Sometimes we're like that mustard seed.  We feel small and unimportant.  But if we stop there, we'll miss the entire point: our job is to grow into something more.

I want to change the world and make a difference in someone's life.  But sometimes I feel like a seed.  I sit here in my safe house and do safe, mundane things.  I write school papers while the stories on my heart sit in silence.  I do chores and practice plays and singing and other activities.  And then I go to bed after another day and wonder, "did it really matter?"

We see the play, but we miss the wonder behind stage.

Dear friend, sometimes we aren't called to change the world the way we think we are.  We don't have to become the next best-selling author to make a difference.  We don't have to have a thousand followers to change a life.

We must be faithful with what we have.

The smallest word can brighten a someone's day.  A smile can make someone realize that they're not alone.  A comment, share, hug, gift, or verse can change a life.

Maybe we're the person in the parable of the talents who was only given two talents.  (read here)  But we can't sit here and wonder why we don't have something more.  We must use what God's given us so that we can hear His wondrous words,

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." - Matthew 25:23

And that's enough.  Imagine finishing life and hearing your Savior's voice beckoning you forward.  Enter into the joy of your Lord.  He would wrap His arms around you, pull you towards His heart, and keep you there, safe and secure in His Love.  Would you need anything else?

It's easy to become discouraged with where you are in life.  It's easy to want what someone else has instead of realizing the beauty you already have.  But remember this:  God has a plan for your future.  He knows your desires and hopes and has something even more wonderful.  It might not be what you expect, but it's perfect.  (see Jeremiah 29:11-12)

But if He's convicting you to do more or life radically, don't push it aside.  His plan is wonderful, but you must follow His leading.  Be faithful with your talents, whether you have one or two or five.  God can use even the little things in life to make a difference.

Love Him in the busyness.  Love Him in the mundane.  Love Him in the hard times. And remember that He has a plan.  Follow.

Even though it can be messy behind stage, God has a wonderful play in the making.

When Life Becomes Crazy

So teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

  - Psalm 90:12

I have an hour to write this blog post.  Life has been really busy, but I use that excuse too often.

I'm tired of feeling behind, of apologizing for late responses, of not feeling dedicated to what is most important.  I'm tired of telling my little sister that I'm too busy to play dolls with her.  And I'm tired of not being completely dedicated to God's agenda.

That's the problem, isn't it?  Life is always my agenda vs. God's.  The problem is, I usually let myself win.

But I don't want to sit here and complain.  (which would be ironic considering my last few posts)  ;)  My goal isn't to make you see how crazy my life is and to offer excuses for why I haven't been responding to blog comments.  But I do know that many of you can relate with this problem.  You're busy, pressed for time, and wondering if it's possible to live in joy with your eyes upon Jesus.

My family was reading Mark 6 this week, and there were several interesting comments.  Actually, they're just now starting to connect in my head, so bear with me as I try to share this.  =)

In Mark 6:7-12, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples and gives them power.  (I recommend you take time to read the entire passage if possible.)  They travel all over the place, casting out demons and healing the sick.  They are doing the unimaginable!

But when they come back to Jesus, they're tired.  So Jesus offers a break.

And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.  - Mark 6:31

Guess what happens?  They row across the sea to a nice, deserted place.  But instead of taking a nap, they end up feeding five thousand people who follow them.  And after all that craziness is over, they row back across the sea and encounter a storm.  Finally, they reach land and immediately people recognize Jesus and bring him sick people on beds.

Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. - Mark 6:56

That's just the end of the chapter, but the story goes on.  (read here)

Don't you feel some pity for the exhausted group?  They just want to take a break and catch their breath.  Instead, life goes on like a roller coaster of ups and downs and lefts and rights.

Imagine what it must have been like.  Think of the disciples like Matthew.  He had been a tax collector who sat in a booth.  He probably wasn't fit and excited for more travelling, rowing, and activity.  

And fishermen don't seem like social people.  What did Peter, Andrew, James, and John think about being surrounded by crowds who wouldn't leave unless Jesus healed their sick?  Were they eager to run away and just be alone for enough time to eat in solitude?

But then I think of Jesus.  And I realize that the situation didn't matter.  It didn't rule His life.  It didn't dictate His emotions or attitudes.

Jesus fed the hungry people.  He healed the sick.  He even loved the people who sought Him for nothing more than personal gain.

Dear friend, it doesn't matter what storms we're trying to row out of.  It doesn't matter how big the waves are and how dark the sky is.

The stars are still shining.  And Jesus is still strong.

The situation doesn't determine us.  Temptation isn't a sin.  But what we do in the storm does matter.

Even if you're busy or sick or heart-broken or worried, remember that Jesus walks on water in the midst of the storms.  The waves mean nothing to Him.

Despite the busyness of life, we can thrive in His love.  We can have joy.

It's a decision.  Are you going to live today in a way that counts?  Or are you going to race against life and waste the minutes that slip by?

Live a life that counts, and never forget what Jesus said.

“Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.” - Mark 6:50

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Last week we went through the topic of complaining and discussed it together.  I shared two verses from Philippians.  The first says to do everything without complaining so that we may become blameless (Philippians 2:14-15).  But now I want to move on to specifically address the second verse.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  - Philippians 4:4

Some of my family and I are watching The Passion of the Christ for the first time  (full review to come).  The movie portrays Jesus' death very realistically.  Yes, it's gory...but last night as I lay in bed, I started to see more of what Love meant.

Jesus went through so much for us.  He literally was torn apart through the worst torture.  Isaiah wrote that, "His visage was marred more than any man."  (Isaiah 52:14)  Jesus allowed men to spit in His face, and He experienced tremendous shame.  Honor was a very big deal in that time, and He let go of everything to become the lowest of the low all because of Love.

That Love is amazing.  It's beyond imagination, and we can never completely grasp it.

I know that life can be difficult.  I know that some of you have messed-up homes, busy schedules, and broken hearts.  But because of Love, we still have a reason to rejoice.

One friend commented on last week's post and suggested that, "gratitude is the key to overcoming complaining. Whenever we have thoughts or words of complaint we need to turn it around and be grateful!"

The book of Psalms is full of disaster, trial, persecution, and more.  But the psalmist ends with praise.  In the storms, he sees beauty.  In the brokenness, he sees hope.

This week I want to put rejoicing into practice.  If we can combat complaining with gratitude, then why would we hold onto negativity?

Let's start by sharing how God has been strong in your life.  What blessings has He brought your way?  How has He used others to encourage and inspire you?  And how are you going to rejoice and praise Him in return?

And then take a Psalm and make it your own prayer of praise to God.  Thank Him for His goodness and inspire to be a pen in His hand so He can write your life story.  Dance or sing or write or laugh - let's practice rejoicing!

Bless the Lord, O my soul;  And all that is within me, bless His holy name! - Psalm 103:1

Without Complaining...

Thank you to everyone who shared their insight in my last post's form!  I have been reading over them, and I appreciate the time you took to share your perspective.  If you weren't able to fill out the form, you can do so here.

I've been in the company of unbelievers a lot this semester, due to being out in the community more often. (aka: school, soccer practice, plays, etc.)  So far, I've noticed a familiar trend:

Complaining.

It's unusual to not hear something like, "such terrible weather" or "I have the worst brothers".  People complain about everything:  where they have to eat tonight, how terrible so-and-so is, and how wrong their day is turning out.  They say they're too busy, too hungry, too clumsy, or not good enough.

What's even worse is that Christians often join in.  They nod along or add their own complaints.  More often than not, they start the muttering.

That's true in my own life too.  It's easier to complain than to rejoice.  How can I find something to smile about in my math?  Or when a sibling is too loud?

But let's put this into perspective.

The Creator of the universe gave up what was most precious to Him to save us (John 3:16).  He loves us and has adopted us into His royal family (Galatians 3:26).  We don't have to fear death or evil because He has won the battle (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)!

And we complain about the weather?

When we whine about our circumstances, we're saying that God's not doing a good job.  We think we could do better.  How self-centered can we be?!

If we want to have a relationship with God, let's praise Him for everything.  Let's see beauty in the brokenness.  Yes, it's hot outside - but the sun is shining!  Yes, school is hard - but we have the chance to learn!

Life isn't all sunshine and roses, but there's beauty even in the storms.  (Just read the book of Psalms!)

As Philippians says, 

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. - Philippians 2:14-15

And later...

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! - Philippians 4:4

I want to pause here before I talk too long.  Instead of diving into a long, detailed post, let's have some discussion and hear your thoughts.

How can you love God by erasing complaining from your life?  What are some practical ways in which we can rejoice instead of whine?  Is being joyful at all times an impossible goal?  Is this something you struggle with?

Complaining ruins relationships - both with God and others.  So let's not only keep our mouths shut against complaining but also replace it with something else.  Let's be people of encouragement and thankfulness.

It's your turn.