"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in us." - Shakespeare

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Film Review of 'The Fault in Our Stars'

SPOILER ALERT!

Based on the novel by John Green, ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ follows the story of two teenagers whose lives are complicatedly entwined with not only love but also with the hardship of fighting cancer. Get your tissues ready – you’re gonna need them!

A truly inspiring, heart warming film, perhaps quite literally the definition of an emotional rollercoaster. As one moment you’re crying with laughter, the next with sadness – I honestly felt exhausted by the end as the film envelops you in the lives of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters.

 I hadn't read the book so didn’t know what to expect from the film apart from perhaps a normal rom-com with a tad more emotion in the mix. I certainly wasn’t expecting Hazel’s voice over to open the film immediately with “I have cancer” (at this point I have to admit I was slightly regretting my ticket purchase – I’m all for hearing about courageous/inspiring stories yet I thought the film would be fun and care free). Luckily, despite this seemingly heavy start, the film places the heavy subject matter into the arms of radiant Hazel and Gus who try to make the best of their dire situations. Surprisingly, they manage this very well and (shockingly) their romance blossoms which creates an almost paradoxical feeling as their optimism allows them to get past their illnesses for love.

Obviously, the film is more than just a love story – it also looks at the trials and tribulations of battling cancer and the effects it has not just on the patient but also on their family and friends around them. Director Josh Boone, managed some perfect slow motion shots of when both characters have ‘episodes’ that plant them back into hospital with the brutal message that we still have not beaten cancer and that it truly can overtake someone’s life, even when still ‘living’ it.

Both principals are truly mesmerizing in their dynamic performances and the chemistry between Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort cannot be overstated. Both portray a care free manner and yet also deliver tear jerking, heart wrenching performances as their lives are obliterated by cancer.

Overall: 4 Stars.

A truly awe-inspiring, emotional film with brilliant performances all round but particularly from Woodley and Elgort. I’d recommend it but would also say to stay away if cancer is (as I’m sure it is for many) a sensitive subject that may evoke too many personal memories.

PLEASE READ: My friend is doing a sponsored walk for Macmillan Cancer Support. She is walking 100 miles in order to raise money for this fantastic charity – please feel free to give her support by sponsoring her at Just giving.com

 

Pictures: http://www.cineworld.co.uk/assets/media/films/7458_poster_iphone.jpg + Own editing on Paint

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