The Fault in Our Stars

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It is probably accurate to say that the biggest factor behind this film being so outstanding is the strength of the source material, John Green's brilliant book. It is even more accurate to say that, as a massive fan of the book, a part of the film's success lies in the joy of seeing the beloved characters brought to life and seeing the story that had previously only been seen of paper, shown on screen for the first time- however, this is not the only component in the movie's high quality.

For anyone who hasn't read the book or even heard of The Fault in Our Stars, it focusses on two cancer-struck teenagers who fall in love after meeting at a support group. It can be said that a lot of the elements that allowed the book to resonate with fans are carried over into the film, allowing both to be exceptional, from the sarcastic attitude of the narrator, which makes it seem very fresh as well as being honest and not condescending towards it's audience to the refreshing and at times biting realism and incredibly likeable characters, all of which is held together by an ultimately beautiful love story.

On the other hand, it can also be said that the film has merits as it's own piece, not least the brilliant acting from the entire cast, but especially Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as the star crossed leads. In addition to this, the brutally emotional climax is made all the more tear-jerking on screen by the sheer fact that it is being shown instead of written.

Both of these make the movie just as good if not better than the book, but that is not to say that the film does not have it's flaws- the love story can be a bit cheesy at times and at certain points the character of Augustus Waters can become more like a fantasy that a real and well developed character, due to his characters habit of being almost a bit too perfect all the time for the majority of the story. However, just at the point where audience members may start to feel this way, both the movie and the book blow these factors completely out of the water deliver a ruthlessly realistic ending to an overall brilliant film that will make even the most hard hearted of viewers sob.