Like any novel-turned-movie, “The Fault in Our Stars” has one advantage over other movies – an existing fan base. But like every novel-turned-movie, expectations are always high when it comes to the final product. Which begs the question, did they or did they not get this novel adaptation right?
So, it tells a heart wrenching tale about a 17-year-old terminal cancer patient, Hazel Grace Lancaster (played by Shailene Woodley) who meets equally ill (if not more) 18-year-old Augustus Waters aka Gus (played by Ansel Elgort). And as twisted fate would have it, they meet in a church support group catered to youngsters that are very much like themselves.
But these star-crossed teens in particular, they develop mutual obsession with each other because of a shared liking for their favourite book and find themselves in a relationship.
Despite knowing that they will probably not live for much longer – Augustus is in remission following the amputation of a leg and Hazel’s thyroid cancer has spread to her lungs – they share one thing in common..ambition. It’s this ambition that drives them to find out what happens after their favourite book ends. So they set out together with what little time they have left to find the author of their favourite book, Peter van Houten (played by Willem Dafoe), in Amsterdam.
It is during this breath-taking trip to Amsterdam that the two are reminded about what life would be like when they’re gone. Their journey becomes a discovery for not only themselves but also for you, the audience. Expect an acidic display of what it’s like to have society treat you a certain way just because you’re a young person with cancer. The performances by Shailene, Ansel, and Willem will cut right through your hearts in this borderline rom-com drama hybrid.
With much thanks to author John Green’s observations about living with cancer, “The Fault in Our Stars” manages to remain sincere throughout and gives unprecedented insights into the lives of people with the illness. Vulnerabilities, struggles, reflection, and emotional drainage. Watch it if you’ve read the book and see it comes to life right before your eyes, as good as you’ve imagined it to be. Watch it even if you haven’t because it’s a great reminder of how mortal we all really are:
Don’t forget to arm yourselves with Kleenex though because “The Fault in Our Stars” is incredibly weepy. You might also want to arm yourselves with these “The Fault in Our Stars” facts before you catch the flick.
“The Fault in Our Stars” will be released in a cinema near you on 17th July with sneak previews running from 11th – 13th July. There will also be limited hot tickets for selected locations as early as 28th June (that’s tomorrow!). Schedule for the hot tickets are as follows:
For more information, visit the movie’s official website or Facebook page.
