The film follows Jonas, a young boy who lives in a seemingly Utopian society where pain and fear have been eliminated along with all other emotions. In their community, they must use precise language. Their job is selected for them at the end of their childhood. Jonas is given the role of Receiver of Memory, a high position where he will one day be used to help the council elders with their decisions on how to govern the people. This was a strong film but not the strongest out there. It poses as an interesting coming of age story in a world where Jonas has the ability to really open his mind and question his surroundings, a message that many youth today could benefit from listening to. This, however, is a message we're quite familiar with from dystopian media so it was a fine instalment but nothing ground-breaking. Also after her brush with scientology it was really interesting seeing Katie Holmes play someone wrapped up in a controlling society. It was an interesting cinematic piece as most of the film was in black and white thus giving it a real visual appeal with the use of colour and monochromatic scenes. This is definitely worth seeing and it really sets up what could be a larger narrative.
My questions at the moment are: Why does the Receiver of Memory receive memories of other people? How can they enter the minds of others to see into their memories? How does penetrating the wall (on a sledge, no less) unlock the minds of the townspeople? Why do they suddenly see the memories of people long before their time? Where is he taking Gabriel? Why do they have the marks on their arm? Thankfully the book that inspired the film is part of a series of four books so I hope that the film earns enough money and success to make a sequel. If not, I shall order and read the books.
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