Divergent is currently one of the most popular movies in theaters, which is incredibly cool because it was a YA book FIRST. (Read my review here.) I loved the book and had very high expectations for the movie.
This is what I loved:
CAST
The cast was fantastic. Shailene Woodley (Tris) and Theo James (Four) completely captured their character’s personalities. Their chemistry was incredible, and I tingled a little bit every time they were on screen together. (I’m sorry, is that weird?)
Christina, played by Zoe Kravitz, was also really great. She was snarky but sweet. The rest of the Dauntless gang, including Will, Al, and Peter, didn’t get as much screen time. But I think that’s understandable considering the producers had a lot to pack into the two and a half hour movie.
Unfortunately, Uriah was not even cast. If the second movie is made, he will definitely be in it. Read Veronica Roth’s thoughts on this matter.
SET
In the books, the setting (futuristic Chicago) is a character unto itself. When the movie began and the camera swept over the set, I inwardly gasped. It was beautiful. Very industrial, very true to the book. The trains were just as I’d pictured them. Every time the Dauntless jumped onto or out of the moving trains, it was powerful.
ALSO…
The soundtrack was very fitting. And the costumes were spot-on. Each faction was given a very unique look, very true to the descriptions in the books.
Something I was definitely looking forward to was the portrayal of the fear landscapes. The fear landscapes are a fascinating part of Tris’ journey in Divergent, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it on screen.
While the movie as a whole was very close to the book, despite some minor differences (which I don’t think can be helped), the only major scene that did not appear in the movie but is relatively important to the book is Edward’s eye getting stabbed by Peter. Think of that what you will.
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for Veronica Roth herself during the zip lining scene. 😉
Check out this interesting article:
‘Divergent’ Producer Douglas Wick On How To Make A Successful YA Adaptation
If you’ve read the book but haven’t seen the movie, SEE IT. If you’ve seen the movie but haven’t read the book, READ IT.
What were your thoughts??