What's BTMA? It stands for "book to movie adaptation". My BTMA reviews are done separately from the book review.
Movie Release Date: March 21, 2014
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For some violence and intense depiction of thematic material)
Watch Date: March 21, 2014
Rating: 5/5
I saw Divergent last night with my book club, and let me say this was a very, very good movie. Yes, things weren't perfect. Yes, there were inconsistencies from the book. But, even with those things present, the movie was still well done. The casting was impeccable. The movie makers picked some of the most exciting and relevant scenes from the book. The pace with amazing, even though the movie was nearly two and a half hours long, it didn't feel like it. It felt like I blinked, and it was over. I'm actually debating if I should see it again!
Of course no book to movie adaptation is perfect. What could have been done better? The relationship progression between Tris and Four was abrupt and the development of the relationship was lacking. Also lacking is the formation of the friendship between Tris, Christina, Will, and their other initiates. They had a tight knit group and that vibe was not as prevalent as it could have been.
What was done right? Again, the casting was amazing. I won't cover each character, because there are too many. But I was very pleased with every actor/actress chosen for the roles.
I liked that the history of the current situation was explained a bit and it was very clear how the factions work and what each of the belief systems are. Even if you haven't read the book you'd still have a good understanding.
Even the level of brutality that the initiates experienced during Dauntless training was surprisingly vivid. There was one particular situation that was toned down a lot. I have a guess as to why they altered that particular scene. Most likely because they wanted to ensure that PG-13 rating!
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For some violence and intense depiction of thematic material)
Watch Date: March 21, 2014
Rating: 5/5
I saw Divergent last night with my book club, and let me say this was a very, very good movie. Yes, things weren't perfect. Yes, there were inconsistencies from the book. But, even with those things present, the movie was still well done. The casting was impeccable. The movie makers picked some of the most exciting and relevant scenes from the book. The pace with amazing, even though the movie was nearly two and a half hours long, it didn't feel like it. It felt like I blinked, and it was over. I'm actually debating if I should see it again!
Of course no book to movie adaptation is perfect. What could have been done better? The relationship progression between Tris and Four was abrupt and the development of the relationship was lacking. Also lacking is the formation of the friendship between Tris, Christina, Will, and their other initiates. They had a tight knit group and that vibe was not as prevalent as it could have been.
What was done right? Again, the casting was amazing. I won't cover each character, because there are too many. But I was very pleased with every actor/actress chosen for the roles.
I liked that the history of the current situation was explained a bit and it was very clear how the factions work and what each of the belief systems are. Even if you haven't read the book you'd still have a good understanding.
Even the level of brutality that the initiates experienced during Dauntless training was surprisingly vivid. There was one particular situation that was toned down a lot. I have a guess as to why they altered that particular scene. Most likely because they wanted to ensure that PG-13 rating!
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The soundtrack is amazing. I started downloading several songs as soon as I got home. The soundtrack includes Ellie Goulding, M83, and several new to me artists that have some great music. Click here to listen to snippets of all the tracks.
I recommend seeing this movie, even if you didn't read the book. And one more thing, to those who haven't read either trilogy - please stop comparing Divergent to the Hunger Games! These two movies and books are not alike. The only similarity is that they are both young adult and are in the Dystopian genre.
Speaking of comparisons, for those who've read both trilogies, I do feel that Divergent was a closer match to its book than The Hunger Games was to it's predecessor. Don't get me wrong, I like first The Hunger Game movie, I'm just stating which I think is a closer adaptation.
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Which movie was a better adaptation? I would say Divergent was better. But it's too soon to say if the Divergent trilogy movies will be better than the Hunger Games movies as a whole because as we know we are one book of head in The Hunger Games movies. Plus, I don't think its even been decided yet if there will be an Insurgent movie. I hope so, because I want to see more of this series on the big screen!
Followed by a abundance of let down adaptations in the last year (Beautiful Creatures, City of Bones, Vampire Academy), this movie was stellar! Bottom line. Should you see Divergent? YES, HELL YES! You'll love it.
Curious to see what I thought of the book, Divergent? Read my book review here!
 My test results. | Want to know what your faction aptitude test would say? Take the test here. I was curios so I took the test. Although I couldn't see myself jumping off trains and buildings...the results reflecting high scores in Dauntless, Erudite and Candor didn't surprise me! If you take the test, let me know what you're results are! Happy Reading & Watching, ~Tamara |
