The Giver

Based on a novel by Lois Lowry, The Giver takes us into a utopian society where everything that might cause conflict or pain has been eliminated. A young man, Jonas, receives a special calling, to receive the memories of what life was like before the society was founded so he can advise the elders of the community. In those memories, Jonas finds the horrors of the human race, but also the wonders and joys that have been lost. What he sees forces him to answer the question: are the joys worth the risk?

ClearPlay In Action!

Even though this movie is rated PG-13, there isn’t much for ClearPlay to do. There are a couple disturbing scenes that are trimmed, but this is a clean movie in terms of swearing and sexuality. With filters, the whole family could watch, but in theme The Giver is more for older teens and adults.

Should I Give the Giver a Go?...

While it differs from the book in some particulars, The Giver does a good job at evoking the same philosophical questions. It is a “thinking” kind of movie, but the portrayal of the society and Jonas’s struggles with the memories keep things interesting, though it is certainly not an action thriller by any stretch and drags a bit here and there. Fans of the book may find things to quibble about, but overall the film invokes the spirit of Lois Lowry’s thoughtful tale.

Brian Fuller ~ ClearPlay Receiver

Rated PG-13 for a mature thematic image and some sci-fi action/violence; 97 Mins; Directed by Phillip Noyce