The Giver

Lois Lowry's beloved novel comes to vivid life in Philip Noyce's film adaptation "The Giver." A passion project for actor Jeff Bridges (who bought the rights to the book originally as a vehicle for his father), he now stars in the title role as a man that holds the memories of the world in his head.

The story takes place in a society with no highs or lows. There are no emotions and everyone sees in black and white. Literally. As a child ages into adulthood they are separated into different job duties (shades of "Divergent"), but one boy is singled out to be "The Receiver" who will eventually become "The Giver." That boy is Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), and what he learns will change his world.

There was a bit of a kerfuffle about the additions to the adaptation and making one character the "villain" of the piece, but Lowry herself was thrilled with the adaptation and wishes she had added some of the elements the filmmakers did into her book. This is discussed in one of the many informative special features included on the disc. But the movie itself - sorely overlooked last August - is a heartfelt and moving look at what life would be like without the good or the bad in the world, and asks if it would be worth it to get rid of both.

Special Features: