By Haley McNulty – Entertainment Editor

Would we know happiness without sadness?

Adapted from the 2002 novel by Lois Lowry, “The Giver” tries to answer that question.

Based in a utopia set in the distant future, a new method of living is put in use – one where pain, suffering, differences, and war is unheard of. Most of the memories people had were banished, and emotions were wiped away with a daily injection.

Only a select few are given the opportunity to hold onto their memories; they would be passed down in case they were of any use. One of these people is The Giver.

When Jonas is skipped at graduation, the ceremony where the teenagers of the community cross over in adulthood and are given their assigned jobs, it is unclear what is in store for him. At the end of the ceremony, it is announced that Jonas has been selected to become the next Receiver, or the next person to gain these memories.

As his training progresses, he starts to see colors, and the memories intensify, showing things like war and hunting. He skips his daily injections, and he becomes unsure if he will be able to carry on much longer with the sudden truth of reality.

But when Jonas realizes what he must do to make everything right again is also when the leaders of his community start to catch on. Taking Gabriel, an infant who can also transmit these memories, Jonas must flee to the “memory line,” which is miles away and only he and Gabriel can cross. By crossing this line, all the memories once kept from citizens will be released and restored.

The movie was very entertaining from start to finish. Parts of it felt rushed, but this is to be expected with books turned movies. The major events and storylines of the novel were presented very well, and it was well-executed as a whole.

One impressive aspect was how the movie’s directors kept the idea that the community has an absence of colors. Everything is in black and white, but as Jonas progresses and receives more memories, he starts to see color, one shade at a time.

Overall, The Giver was insightful, a great concept, and a fun watch. While it could have used more depth, the movie was very enjoyable. The details were well-thought out and it was well-adapted from the original novel.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy fandango.com)