How would it be living in a world without colors? Where everything was black and white? A world full of rules where everything is automated and where emotions do not exist? Certainly would not be strange to those born into it, but it is undoubtedly frustrating for some who once lived and know that the real world is much more than what a whole community is obliged to accept. Happy, always welcoming the rules because that is the only reality and they have always known.

The Giver is a science-fiction film based on the novel by Lois Lowry, with the same name. In an imaginary future world, humanity decides to create a world in Black and White, where all citizens are named "The Community". A world without color and any emotions, no feelings or different races. Consequently there is no disagreement, dispute, sadness and all work for the good of the community. What they don't know is that all their past memories have been erased from their minds making their living a complete farce. Each community member is responsible for a specific function as soon as it become and adult. Jonas a young, brave and very astute is chosen to be the new Receiver of Memories of the Community, not an easy task, since the role of the Receiver is to keep all the bad memories of the past, of each member of the community. All these memories will be pass to him through The Giver, that over some time will train him for the demanding mission. Jonas quickly turns out to discover that something is very wrong and that all the false illusion generates oppression in society.

Basically, this story carries with it a strong message about the reality of the world. We are all equal, we are human beings, and yet still continue to be wars and major injustices around the world. Pain, suffering, sadness are things that no one should experience. But there are also not so good things that also make human beings stronger. It would be ideal if the world were all colorful, everyone could have the same equality and freedom to do whatever they wanted, but at the same time it would also not be a farce too? So here we have the two sides of the coin. On one hand, the world in Black and White is more peaceful and even without color, can be joyful, but on the other hand everyone has the right not to live a lie.

The use of colors is very interesting. At the beginning of the film we see everything in Black and White just like the whole community, but as the main character of the story realizes the reality in which he lives, and as he starts to see all the memories in color, as soon as everything starts to become more bright in his head (and also when friends and family suspect that something is wrong) the world begins to be lightened, gradually becoming less dark. Coming up to the truth, the colors start gradually emerge. The visual effects are also quite effective and the whole created world seems real.

Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep are fantastic as expected! Are two great lords of Hollywood that never disappoint whatever the role. The two manage to be convincing in their roles, but since Jeff Bridges has more screen time he has a much more striking and important role in history. The young actor Brenton Thwaites (I confess I had never heard of him before) could be solid in his performance and always kept a good chemistry with Jeff Bridges. The performances of Katie Holmes and Alexander Skarsgard are also quite effective, while maintaining a cold attitude.

Regarding the negative aspects, the film tension is increasing substantially since the beginning until the final act when it becomes emotionally a little less effective. While we know that the film may have a predictable ending, it does make us believe that maybe we can get a more glorious final moment. Instead the end is slightly poor taking in consideration the intensity and importance of the rest of the history. Also turns out to be somehow inconsistent regarding the emotions it whats to transmit. While sometimes becomes quite human and causes big emotions in us, others this aspect strangely fails.

The Giver turns out to be surprising given the poor reception that had the American box office. Perhaps the fact that this concept of story is kind of The Hunger Games or Divergent type (where there is always a young hero that saves everything and everyone) did not help. It as been too overused. But do not be put off by mistake. While is not a fantastic film, and has a few holes in the plot, is quite nice and is definitely a film that will entertain you from the very beginning.