

It even features a genuine Swedish rap song, just like the one Van Houten describes in his novel, by the Swedish hip-hop group Afasi & Filthy.ĭefinitely prepare for an emotional two hours.

Particularly noteworthy is the film’s soundtrack, which includes tracks by Lykke Li, Grouplove, Ed Sheeran and STRFKR, among others. Since the film features a number of well-known actors such as Willem Dafoe and Laura Dern, Elgort’s inexperience can be easily overlooked.
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Considering he is playing Gus, a complex and sensitive character, at the start of his acting career, this aspect can be excused. However, at times, Elgort does appear to over-act, rattling off his lines in a somewhat unnatural manner. Through painful grimaces and heartbreaking sobs, the young actors do an incredible job of convincingly portraying teenage cancer patients who handle their illnesses with maturity well beyond their years. Woodley and Elgort both perform tremendously as ill teenagers. Despite the added complications of the plot, the cute bedtime text messages and an awkward yet poignantly honest “first time” scene make it a relatable watch for the audience, connecting you even more with the trials of these two teenagers. There are a few details that are left out, but this allows the film to focus entirely on the relationship between Gus and Hazel.ĭirected by Josh Boone, whose first directorial project was the independent romantic comedy-drama “Stuck in Love,” “The Fault in Our Star s” accurately portrays a modern-day teenage relationship. Some scenes, especially the very last one, are nearly word-for-word. What follows is a tremendously emotional journey through this pair’s tragic yet wonderful relationship.Īs a film, “The Fault in Our Stars ” does an impressive job of staying loyal to the plotline of the book. As a surprise, Gus contacts the author of the novel, Peter Van Houten (Willem Dafoe) who lives in Amsterdam, and arranges for Hazel, her mom and him to make the trans-Atlantic trip to speak with Van Houten. The novel ends in the middle of a sentence, however, and Hazel is desperate to know what happens to the characters. Hazel introduces Gus to her favorite novel “An Imperial Affliction ,” about a teenage girl with cancer. It’s clear that Gus longs to be more, but Hazel is afraid of advancing their relationship since her future is so uncertain. Hazel and Gus form an immediate bond that leads to a very flirtatious friendship.

Despite this, he is a confident and witty young man whose only wish is to be remembered by his loved ones. Augustus, or Gus, is a strikingly handsome 18-year-old who lost his right leg to osteosarcoma and is currently in remission. Īfter attending a support group for young cancer patients, Hazel meets Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort). She has few friends, by choice, and spends her days reading and watching reality television with her lovingly concerned parents.
#THE FAULT IN OUR STARS NOVEL PORTABLE#
Now, at the age of 17, she has difficulty breathing on her own and relies on a portable oxygen tank at all times. Terminally ill Hazel Grace Lancaster (played by Shailene Woodley), the narrator of the story, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the tender age of 13. Rather, it is a heart-wrenching love story that follows the relationship between two cancer-stricken teenagers. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort give emotionally convincing performances as teenage cancer patients Hazel and Gus in “The Fault in Our Stars.” ★★★★☆īased on the New York Times bestselling novel by John Green, “The Fault in Our Stars ” isn’t a typical tale of adolescent romance.
