Search for truth. Find freedom.|Aug. 13, 2014|USA|97 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama;Science;Fiction
Description: In the 2014 film *The Giver*, society has been reshaped following a catastrophic event known as “the Ruin,” eliminating emotions—both positive and negative. Babies are created through genetic engineering, and sexual desires are chemically suppressed. The community’s history is preserved solely by the Receiver of Memory, who safeguards others from the knowledge of the past. The Receiver and his apprentice are the only individuals capable of seeing in color, as color perception is removed to prevent envy. The society is governed by elders, including the Chief Elder.
Jonas, an 18-year-old boy, discovers he has been chosen to succeed the current Receiver of Memory. He begins training with the Giver, who imparts memories of the past, exposing Jonas to concepts like joy, pain, death, and love. As Jonas stops taking his daily injections—which suppress dreams and emotions—he starts to feel deeply. He also learns that the term “released to Elsewhere” is a euphemism for lethal injection, a method used to eliminate those who disrupt the community.
Jonas discovers that the Giver’s daughter, Rosemary, had previously trained as the Receiver but chose to be “released” after becoming overwhelmed by the memories. Jonas also accidentally shares memories with a baby named Gabriel, whom he bonds with upon realizing they share a unique birthmark—a sign of a potential Receiver. Both Jonas and Gabriel can see in color.
Horrified by the community’s deception and the elders’ disregard for life, Jonas believes everyone should have access to the past. Ultimately, he and the Giver decide that Jonas must leave the community and venture into “Elsewhere” to bring change.
Cast director: Phillip Noyce
Cast actor: Brenton Thwaites, Odeya Rush, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, Alexander Skarsgård, Cameron Monaghan, Taylor Swift, Emma Tremblay, Katharina Damm
Original name: The Giver