So I know sharing my thoughts about this movie is probably the equivalent of a shout into the oblivion, but I could resist sharing a few feelings after watching the show this evening. The movie is as amazing as everyone is saying. I’ve never seen a film (outside of BBC miniseries) that is as faithful to a book. Some scenes get left out, but literally every scene in the movie is present in the book. A lot of the dialogue comes straight from the text as well. The movie is also as sad as people are saying. If you don’t cry while watching it, then you should probably consult a therapist or medical professional.
Just in case you don’t believe me, here’s a before and after picture of my sister. As you can see lots of feelings.
The whole experience of going to The Night Before Our Stars felt very special. More than being among the first to see the film and the extras (like the charm bracelet and Q&A with the cast and John Green), the community aspect of everyone cheering, catcalling Augustus, and crying their eyes out at the same time is what made the night so unique. There were a few strange moments – like when everyone in the theater giggled during the SPOILER – sex scene – SPOILER when Hazel takes her bra off. But there were more sweet moments. Sarah and I sat next to a girl who said me too whenever we started crying too much and shared her candy with us because we were so upset.
As for the movie, as I said about it is sad and amazing. There are no weak links in the film. Hazels parents, the support group, Isaac – they are all great. Both Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort’s performances stand out, but I’m not going to lie what made the movie for me was Augustus. I could not have imagined a better portrayal of the character than the one Elgort created. When you looking up crush in the dictionary I think you probably see a picture of him in the suit he wears when he and Hazel go out to dinner in SPOILER – Amsterdam – SPOILER.
I think the job of a literary adaptation is to please fans of the books and perhaps inspire people who haven’t read the book yet to read it. With the case study of me and Sarah, reader and non reader, it was certainly successful on both counts. It was very fun for me to watch Sarah experience the story for the first time and see how much it affected her. And I can’t wait to discuss the book with her when she reads it.
Sorry if this is a little unfocused. I’m still in the middle of an emotional hangover. As we learn in TFiOS you don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world… but you do have some say in who hurts you. Tonight, I chose the TFiOS movie. I like my choices.
And if you go see the movie I think you will too.
Alison Doherty 
Love this! I am still in awe of how great the translation from print to screen was. If you’re interested I wrote a review, too! http://gretchenfisk.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/a-completely-biased-review-of-john-greens-book-to-movie-adaptation-of-the-fault-in-our-stars/
Thank you! I loved your review as well.
🙂
Oh i loved that you were able to capture a reader vs non reader while watching the movie and i also love your sister’s Star sweater! I really appreciate that you were able to showcase the emotional side of it all even though for me it was a bit distracting! Again thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Thanks Kayla. I was pretty impressed with my sister’s star sweater too. I thought it was so cute she wanted to dress up in theme with the moview
This is a really great review. I don’t think it is unfocused. I thought the adaptation was just beautiful. It was so powerful, just like the book. I liked that they kept the rollercoaster-ness of the book, if that makes sense. You can be crying one second and giggling the next. Case in point: SPOILER – Issac’s eulogy.
I absolutely adored the adaptation. I will definitely buy it on DVD, but I’m glad I have a little while to recover before watching it again. Haha.
I think it is so great how universally liked this film seems to be by fans of the book. I haven’t read a negative review yet, except by people who hadn’t read the book or didn’t like the book (shocker that they also didn’t like the movie). Thanks for stoping by Stefani!
Great review! I’m looking forward to seeing this movie since I so loved the book!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the movie as much as I did, considering that enjoyment means crying your eyes out.
Great review! I thought the movie did a good job keeping the heart of the book. You really do have something wrong if you don’t cry.
Thanks Caroline! In total agreement of your lack of tears comment. Whenever I read a review that says the reviewer liked the movie but didn’t cry I figure they either didn’t really see the movie or they have literally no soul.