That Feeling of Déjà vu
Film: Divergent
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet
Directed by: Neil Burger
Duration: 2 hrs 20 mins
Rating: * * *
Pretty much on the lines of The Hunger Games, here is
another film set in a futuristic dystopian society. Based on the novel by
Vernoica Roth, unfortunately for this film (and the novel) The Hunger Games has
already captured the imagination of young adults and hence this appears
like a clone.
Leaving the broader similarities aside, there are some
interesting allegories in the plot which one can relate to and it also keep the
wheels turning as far as the narrative is concerned. Much like the caste system
that we are familiar with, in the future, the citizens are divided in different
factions mainly Amity (the peaceful), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation
(the selfless), Dauntless (the brave) and Candor (the honest).
Beatrice (Shailene Woodley) a 16 year old something is the
equivalent of Katniss Everdeen, while most people qualify in one category, she possesses all the above qualities to a high
degree and that makes her a Divergent. But the authorities running the show
led by Jeanine (Kate Winslet) see them as a threat and hence want to liquidate
them. Beatrice has to hide her identity and she is supported by a fellow
Divergent called Four (Theo James) while Ashley Judd plays her mother.
The plot is predictable and while it doesn’t hit too many
lows, there is nothing very exciting either. The coming of age story may appeal
to youngsters but otherwise this is a middle of the road kind of a film.
Shailene Woodley may not a be a Jennifer Lawrence but she has put her best foot
forward and fares well while Kate Winslet is a miscast in the role.
The target audiences for this film are young adults and they
won’t be disappointed with it, for the rest, it is a not so bad affair.
Published in The Navhind Times on 13th Apr 2014
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