Before you look away, just read this introduction where I will dispel some negative connotations that follow this particular piece of fiction. This is not a "cancer" story. It is a love story. It is a story about the importance of friends and family. It is a story about life. Sure, cancer is the premise, but that’s not the important part. So, back to the topic at hand; how was the film?
Hazel’s character can be a difficult one to navigate. If you have never been in those circumstances, suffering from cancer or depression, you can find her inconsistent, bouncing between sarcasm and wit to tragedy and sorrow. But that inconsistency is true to the circumstances and life she is leading. Plus, Shailene Woodley is so charismatic, making her strong, even when being rude or honest. Perhaps compared Augustus, Hazel is pretty dull as she lets her condition take over her life whilst he is fighting against it. Her personality doesn’t quite shine out as much as it could, possibly because she appears to be utterly friendless, despite having one friend in the original.
Whenever Hazel is feeling particularly lonely, she is always in a solo shot; even if she is talking to her mother in the same room, they will never be seen together in the same frame. The heart will bleed for Hazel and her situation and tears of joy will spring when things change…
The film is mostly a happy, adorable love story and you’ll want to hold on to that smile for as long as possible. Tears will cascade by the end as everything you love will be torn from your nurturing embrace! Okay, it maybe isn’t quite that evil, but it is sad and you will be swimming in a pool of tears by the end.
Despite that, the film is full of hope and life. The ending was almost bittersweet. Though depressed by the tale of teenagers suffering from such a wide spread illness, the final scene feels resolved, like everyone has learned something from the ordeal and have grown as people.
No matter who you are, you will take something away from this film. It could be to appreciate life more; to value your friendships and your family, or to fight for life no matter what happens. Fans of the books will be pleased to know that apart from literature character Caroline being MIA, the film is so close to the book that no one will be disappointed. For those who haven’t read the book, it is a must see and compelling story.
The Fault In Our Stars is out this Thursday