The Fault in our Stars

More than 10 years ago, A Walk To Remember was released in theaters which gathered a massive following from the hopelessly romantic crowd. This summer, another film based on a novel is released which also has a similar theme - Misery Porn (as how Philbert Dy would put it). Viewers has a different perspective with the film but did it live up with its material?

Based on John Green's novel of the same name follows the struggle of Hazel Grace's against Cancer and her untimely discovery of true love. Forced by her parents to join a Cancer Support, Hazel Grace attended one of the session where she meets Isaac and Gus Waters whom she had an instant connection. Each day led to a deeper relationship as they talk about life dealing with cancer and the true meaning of it and eventually oblivion itself. 

I have read the book and finished it after one day. While the book has rich details about the inner conflict that Hazel feels, the movie tried to capture those moments well. The book has its moments and so does the film. A non-reader will be able to appreciate it without reading the book. The book is mirrored in the film which is essential for the fans of the book.

The good thing about this film is that it managed to include the relationship of the lead characters with their family particularly in Hazel Grace's standpoint. There is good balance between their relationships without really feeling lost with Gus and Hazel's love story.

Shailene Woodley provides a well executed Hazel Grace while Ansel Elgort was able to capture the charismatic Agustus Waters. Josh Boone was able to capture those moments and marvelously translated in the screen creating a very poignant film of the things that mattered to teens with Cancer. 

TFIOS will stay and endure just like A Walk to Remember. This has been one of the most satisfying book adaptation even with the missed subplots. Surely, Woodley and Elgort's stars will shine brightly and be recognized as one of the actors that actually made you cry.

GRADE: A-

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