Film Review - Insurgent

Decimal Factions

Film: Insurgent

Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslett

Directed by: Robest Schwentke

Duration: 2 hrs

Rating: * * 1 / 2

The second book of the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth, Insurgent follows from where Divergent left off. Tris (Shailene Woodley) who is hiding in Amity territory is chased by soldiers sent by Jeanine (Kate Winslett). She manages to escape along with Four (Theo James) and others and land up in another territory which is held by the Factionless.

From there they go to the Dauntless while Jeanine is trying to open a secret box for which she needs the help of a Divergent. Under pressure, Tris surrenders leading to a fairly impressive climax.

To even understand the basics of this film, you need to be familiar with either the book or the first film otherwise you’ll be as lost as a man who has discovered that he has lost his wallet. The concept of various factions, depending on their skills was quite fascinating in Divergent but there isn’t much originality here. Watch it only if you are a fan of the series.  

Published in The Navhind Times, Goa on 22nd March 2015

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Film Review - Divergent

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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