As Boone brings to the screen the beautifully tragic novel of John Green of the same name, we see the cancer-stricken romantic drama get a new life with the ever elegant performance of
Shailene Woodley
and the cocky and oh-so-lovable Ansel Elgort.
Plot: The Fault in our Stars is the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, 16, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 13, but is meanwhile out of danger as her life expectancy gets elongated indefinitely by a miracle drug. In a cancer support group meeting, she meets the effervescent, lively and witty Augustus Waters, 18, who also lost one of his legs to cancer. Their chemistry hits off immediately as they get to know more about each through their common interest, reading, which also results in a beautiful visit to Amsterdam to meet the author of Hazel’s favorite fictional novel, “An Imperial Affliction”. However, just like all good things, the beautiful yet short romantic life together is also cut short by the omnipresent medical condition that haunts their lives.
The witty and sharp dialogues that made us laugh and cry while reading the novel may have been sounded a little off when they were said aloud by the actors in the movie. Nevertheless, each of them did their best to create the life that John Green knitted together in his book and the chemistry between the lead pair had the spark that this romantic drama clearly demanded. The aura of intelligence and dark comedy surrounding the everyday lives of these teenagers also give that extra edge in the movie, which may or may not be humorous to all the members of the audience.
There are many things that have been omitted from the book while translating it into the movie. However, the small details like, the close and casual relationship Hazel shares with her parents, the way Augustus and Hazel had a kind of emotional link with each other’s parents, the way Augustus’s character goes through a slow and painful change, are one of the many intricacies that tug at the heart-strings of the audience.
Verdict: To this aching ode to the life of two star-crossed lovers and the deep emotional connection that they share with each other, amidst all the challenges that their lives throw at them, I give this movie 4 out of 5 victories.