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The Giver

  • 2014
  • PG-13
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
129K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,228
350
Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Odeya Rush, and Brenton Thwaites in The Giver (2014)
In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.
Play trailer0:32
24 Videos
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Dystopian Sci-FiTeen RomanceDramaRomanceSci-FiThriller

In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences or choices, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man, the true pain and pleasure of the real world.In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences or choices, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man, the true pain and pleasure of the real world.In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences or choices, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man, the true pain and pleasure of the real world.

  • Director
    • Phillip Noyce
  • Writers
    • Michael Mitnick
    • Robert B. Weide
    • Lois Lowry
  • Stars
    • Brenton Thwaites
    • Jeff Bridges
    • Meryl Streep
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.4/10
    129K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,228
    350
    • Director
      • Phillip Noyce
    • Writers
      • Michael Mitnick
      • Robert B. Weide
      • Lois Lowry
    • Stars
      • Brenton Thwaites
      • Jeff Bridges
      • Meryl Streep
    • 428User reviews
    • 209Critic reviews
    • 47Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 3 wins & 6 nominations total

    Videos24

    Exclusive TV Spot
    Trailer 0:32
    Exclusive TV Spot
    Trailer #2
    Trailer 2:32
    Trailer #2
    Trailer #2
    Trailer 2:32
    Trailer #2
    Trailer #1
    Trailer 1:27
    Trailer #1
    Clip
    Clip 0:42
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    Clip 0:35
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    Clip 0:34
    Clip

    Photos214

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    Top cast26

    Edit
    Brenton Thwaites
    Brenton Thwaites
    • Jonas
    Jeff Bridges
    Jeff Bridges
    • The Giver
    Meryl Streep
    Meryl Streep
    • Chief Elder
    Taylor Swift
    Taylor Swift
    • Rosemary
    Alexander Skarsgård
    Alexander Skarsgård
    • Father
    Katie Holmes
    Katie Holmes
    • Mother
    Odeya Rush
    Odeya Rush
    • Fiona
    Cameron Monaghan
    Cameron Monaghan
    • Asher
    Emma Tremblay
    Emma Tremblay
    • Lily
    Alexander Jillings
    • Gabriel - 12 Months
    James Jillings
    • Gabriel - 12 Months
    Jordan Nicholas Smal
    • Gabriel - 3 Months
    Saige Fernandes
    • Gabriel - 6 Months
    Renate Stuurman
    • Dinah
    Vanessa Cooke
    • Elder
    John Whiteley
    • Elder
    Kira Wilkinson
    • Chief Elder's Assistant
    Meganne Young
    Meganne Young
    • Bride
    • Director
      • Phillip Noyce
    • Writers
      • Michael Mitnick
      • Robert B. Weide
      • Lois Lowry
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews428

    6.4128.5K
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    Featured reviews

    9Her-Excellency

    How could I have not known this film existed until now?

    What a simple, yet beautiful film. It is by all accounts, what should quantify and qualify as the real definition of a "feel good" movie.

    I can only imagine that those who rated this subtle, unembellished, yet exquisitely moving film any lower than a 7, have lost the ability to be moved by anything.

    As for me, I am so glad I live, love, laugh and feel.

    --------------------------------------------

    ... A definite must-watch when you want both to smile, and for your heart to ache just a little.
    5jackgradis

    The Giver Review

    I know, I know, that score makes you want to hate on me already. First, let me say that I have read the book and really enjoyed it. It was thought provoking, emotionally engaging, and intelligent. Second, while I enjoyed the book, I am not passionate about it like some people are. So I went into the movie with a completely open mind, just wanting to experience the movie.

    First, the positives. Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep are fantastic as expected. Both bring wonderful layers to their character. Also, the use of going from black and white to color was used real well to demonstrate what the characters see. The film looks good and is acted well.

    Now my complaints. First of all, the setup of the supporting characters felt off to me. The society they live in have a certain set of rules that everyone follows because they were taught to their whole lives. But all the characters broke the rules multiple times in the beginning of the film. That takes you out of the overall feeling the movie is supposed to give you, the message it has to offer.

    Next, while the book got you emotionally attached to Jonas and what is happening to him, the movie falls flat. Their are certain moments that have to have the audience fully involved emotionally, but just don't. That is a big negative unfortunately, because you want to care, but the film is too lazy setting you up for the emotional blow.

    Finally, the pacing is way off. The middle part with Jonas coming to the realization of what is really going on, is rushed and he makes up his mind like that. That is the most important part of the movie, and sadly it is rushed. Then the movie slows down, and that leads to a VERY anti-climactic ending.

    Overall, if you are a die hard fan of the book, then obviously you should see it. Who knows, I may be the only one who doesn't drink the coolade for this movie. But the tone and storytelling are to sloppy and the movie fails to get you emotionally attached. So the result is a mediocre film for me. I still recommend you see for yourself, but just ask yourself: Did I love the movie or did I want to love the movie because of the book?
    7ma-cortes

    Dystopian Sci-Fi movie in which a teen confronts dangers , risks and a terrible truth

    Moving and attractive Sci-Fi set in a dystopian society in which a brave teenager takes on lots of dangers and a horrible truth . This exciting flick boasts a good cast , that's why it will appeal to Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges fans , who're really terrific . Thrilling film dealing with an allegedly perfect dystopian society in which an intelligent adolescent becomes involved into lots of dangers, risks, emotion and chases . Set in the far-future, following a great war called "The Ruin", a community in North America has lived in tranquility without the existence of emotions or color, as these would produce conflicts. The citizens have also had their memories wiped. We follow young teenager called Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) , as he rides his bike with his two best friends Asher (Cameron Monaghan) and Fiona (Odeya Rush). The society Jonas lives in is a peaceful one, in large part because their collective memories have been entrusted to the Giver (Jeff Bridges). Jonas lives at a tranquil home with his father (Alexander Skarsgård) , mother (Katie Holmes) and younger sister Lilly (Emma Tremblay) . It is the day before their Ceremony in which they will be assigned their positions in the community, something that makes Jonas rather nervous. As Jonas realizes that his only hope of saving the ones he loves most is to flee and he will be forced to make complex choices about sacrifice, loyaly, courage, love , redemption and allegiance. He searches answers beyond the wall borders , unlocks secrets , and, finally, discovering the shocking truth, as he comes to realize that everything he knows is a lie. You can make things better !.

    This is a Science Fiction and drama film based on Lois Lowry's book and an interesting script from Michael Mitnick and Robert B. Weide . This fiilm contains thrills , a sensitive love story , breathtaking state-of-art-special effects, enough characterization , and violent happenings . Here our starring Jonas learns that the wisdom he now holds could dictate the fate of the entire society. As Jonas faces one impossible challenge after another, as he unreveals the truth about the past and, ultimately, the meaning of the strange and mysterious location beyond wall , as well as the dark future on his sad world . And finally, the conclusion in an unexpected denouement . Stars Brenton Thwaites as the valiant teen who learns that the wisdom he now holds could dictate the fate of the entire society. Thwaites gives nice acting as the brave teen who is really haunted by new visions , as well as he must confront the tyrannical dictatorship . There stands out Jeff Bridges as a mysterious yet seemingly benevolent figure, the Giver is the sole guardian of the community's dark and hidden history. Accompanied by a very good cast , such as : Meryl Streep , Alexander Skarsgård , Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush, Cameron Monaghan, Emma Tremblay and singer Taylor Swift.

    The picture has a colorful and brilliant cinematography by Ross Emery. And a thrilling and rousing musixal score by Marco Beltrami . The motion picture was compellingly directed by Phillip Noyce . He is a good professional director who has got some successes as cinema as TV. Expert Australian director filmed compellingly this successful Dead Calm (1989) , starring Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill and Billy Zane , it brought Noyce to Hollywood, where he directed 6 films over the next decade , including Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and present danger (1994) starring Harrison Ford, and The bone collector (1999) , starring Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. And following other hits as The Quiet man, The Giver , Rabbit-proof-fence , Catch a fire , Above suspicion , among others . As Noyce has directed notorious films as : Patriot games, Clear and present danger and TV series and episodes as Billion, Books, the jury TV, The asset TV, among others . Noyce's smoothly persuasive direction attracts reception by the public and being a success at box office . Rating : 7/10, better than average .Well worth watching. Rating : above average. This decent Science Fiction movie that will appeal to teenagers.
    8stefan-alev

    The Giver

    When I saw the title I asked myself what we give. When I saw the movie I asked myself what we have given up.

    The simple and clear message in the movie is what makes it interesting and good. I saw so many simple things explained in such a profound way. Things such as friendship, family, love, emotions, humanity.

    After all this is a great movie that shows what humanity is all about. What emotions are, how we see the world because of them. About what is right or wrong. What we sacrifice to create one Utopia. We see in this movie the good in people, but we also can see the cruelty that we are capable of.

    To be completely honest, I saw a little resemblance with another movie. Despite that, It is a movie that I wanted to watch again.
    7cosmo_tiger

    I expected another teenager-y save the world movie so I sat down with low expectations. I was very surprised at how much I liked this

    "I know there is something more, something that has been stolen." It is choosing day and Jonas (Thwaites) is told that he is to be a receiver of memories. He meets The Giver (Bridges) and is amazed at what he shows him. Jones learns quickly that the Utopia that everyone lives in is not as perfect as it seems. After experiencing color and emotions Jonas wants to show everyone what he knows. The Elders are not happy with what is going on and they do all they can to stop Jonas, but he will stop at nothing to make everyone remember. I had no idea what to expect from this movie at all. I never read the book and only caught glimpses of trailers. I expected another teenager-y save the world movie so I sat down with pretty low expectations. I have to say that I was very surprised at how much I liked this. The easiest way to describe this is a combination of Divergent and Pleasantville. When you watch you will see exactly what I mean (as long as you have seen both of those movies). This is a great family movie and my entire family loved it. It is rated PG- 13 and I think it is because of one small part but you will not have to have your hand on the pause or fast forward button if you are watching this with your family. Overall, this is just a good movie that the whole family will enjoy. I give this a B+.

    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Jeff Bridges had been trying to have the film made for nearly 20 years and even filmed a version of it with his family. Speaking on the Nerdist Podcast he said: "I originally wanted to direct my father in it. As a matter of fact, somewhere in some garage, there is a version of this movie with my father (Lloyd Bridges) playing The Giver, Bud Cort narrates the whole thing, Beau's kids, one is shooting it, one is playing Jonas. We did the whole book, so that's around somewhere."
    • Goofs
      When Jonas flees through various terrain and weather conditions at the end of the movie, his wardrobe changes a number of times to where he finally wears a thick winter parka. All the while he never has a backpack or bag or anything with him and the baby when he initially flees on the motor bike. And where could he have even gotten a spare parka from anyway, since the whole society was climate controlled to perpetual summer-like conditions?
    • Quotes

      Chief Elder: When people have the freedom to choose, they choose wrong--every single time.

    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Jeff Bridges/Ali Larter/Andy Woodhull (2014)
    • Soundtracks
      Silent Night
      Lyrics by Joseph Mohr

      Music by Franz Xaver Gruber

      (Incorrectly attributed as "Traditional")

      Performed by The von Trapp Children

      Courtesy of Rattlesby Records, Inc.

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    FAQ20

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • August 15, 2014 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Canada
      • South Africa
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official site
      • Official Twitter
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El dador de recuerdos
    • Filming locations
      • University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa(Some exteriors)
    • Production companies
      • Tonik Productions
      • Asis Productions
      • Canada Film Capital
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $25,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $45,090,374
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $12,305,016
      • Aug 17, 2014
    • Gross worldwide
      • $66,980,456
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 37 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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