MOVIE REVIEW

RATING: 8.5/10

The movie calls itself “One Sick Love Story” and that one pun completely encapsulates what the movie tries to do. That is, it wants to tell you a sad story while simultaneously trying to make you laugh. John Green's novel, the Fault in Our Stars first came out in 2012. It was later picked up for a movie in 2013 and is directed by Josh Boone; starring up-and-coming actors, Shailene Woodley as Hazel Grace Lancaster and Ansel Elgort as Augustus Waters.

The story follows Hazel, a cancer survivor and Augustus Waters, who went into remission after his leg was amputated. They meet at a cancer support group where they bond over their cynical approach to the clichés of cancer and Hazel's favorite book. As the story progresses, they find themselves pondering over questions about life and death, while simultaneously falling in love.

Hollywood is notorious for turning well intentioned books into all out commercialised movies; however the movie mostly remains true to the book's story. Even small details like where the characters sat on the plane to the colour of their clothes remained just as the book dictated. But I'm not reviewing the book --- I'm reviewing the movie as a standalone.

The casting for the characters was very well done, but it often felt like Woodley's performance was the one that stood out. The movie managed to properly portray the vulnerability that comes with being sick, that is often missed out in cancer dramas. The moments where Hazel struggled to breathe or Augustus's anxiety kicked in were some of my favourite parts of the movie. On a different note, some of the most emotional moments in the movie did not involve the romance, but instead were triggered by the relationship between the protagonist and the parents. The soundtrack of the movie was also well picked out. The music ranged from emotional to catchy to warranting “I do not want to hear this anymore.”

The plot for the movie is driven by Hazel and Augustus's questions regarding the book and their own adventure to find the answers. Certain moments of the movie may feel a little clichéd or contrived, but overall the movie manages to convey its own sort of warmth.

In a matter of months, the book and the movie garnered quite a bit of attention, not all of which is positive. Ultimately, I believe this movie serves as what it is supposed to be—a heart-warming tale of two teenagers accepting truths both life and death.

The movie is presently being screened at Blockbuster in Jamuna Future Park at 3pm and 7pm. The movie was brought to Bangladesh through an initiative by Young Adult Novel Appreciation Club, Bangladesh.