Same old, same old. Visually nice but to little content for a 2 1/2 hour movie. Feels very similar to Hunger Games. A blown up story that maybe younger people can relate to more. If there will be a sequel I will skip it. Oh, and Kate Winslet was not very convincing as the villain.
I read the book before the production even took place and I have to say, the movie was boring. I was squirming in my seat just PRAYING for it to be over already.
I don't understand what kind of people would like such movies. Sure, there is some romantic BS, but come on now, you can't just rate a movie based on that.
It is not like I didn't get the idea. Yea, I know what this was about, but man, for me this sucked BIG time!
It was watchable but the pacing severely suffers. we aren't really introduced to the main conflict for the first half of the movie, and the clumsy exposition just weighs down what should be a straightforward story.
With the flood of teen lit-inspired movies on the scene today, it can be all-too easy to unfairly shuffle them all under the same leaky roof. Often, that short-sells the more gleaming examples of the genre. Not so with Divergent, a ruthlessly narrow little bit of phony escapism that confirms every ugly stereotype. Dim and wooden, it's a thoroughly hand-holding bit of tack that can't seem to get over how breathlessly important it thinks it is.
The generic core storyline has nothing to offer, over-familiar and rich with the scent of manufactured drama. Its cast, thin and transparent as they come, spends most of the bloated runtime reveling in their own majesty at the expense of actual character development. Not that the actors seem capable of exploring any such depth, were they given the material to work with. Shailene Woodley and Theo James, beautiful people without so much as a single spark between them, seem to have been chosen exclusively for their pouty appearances on the promotional materials. Likewise, an awkwardly mismatched sparkle-pop soundtrack stands at odds with the bleak, dystopian tones that the plot stretches for. At least the visual effects are well done, for what that's worth.
It's a real waste of time and effort, an insulting vehicle to cash-in on the latest craze and promote a few of the parent company's tunes while they're at it. I wish I could get my two hours back.
One of the downsides of being so adverse to being spoiled that I won't even watch trailers... I get stuck watching something that a simple trailer inform me not to watch.
The review:
Pure angsty teenage girl drama-rama. Another dystopian society gone wrong and only the downtrodden underdog who also happens to be the chosen one can save the day, but this time, WITH LOVE! Yuck.
All that being said, am I going to watch the sequel? Ugh. probably, but don't ask me why.
Entertaining film.
In spite of its flaws I still found it entertaining.
It's actually not a bad movie, i'd actually go so far as to say it's good. Altho some of the ideas in it just makes no sense. That said, Shailene Woodley does a better job portraying the character than Jennifer Lawrence does at portraying Katniss.
That and the music is totally ok in my book! :)
Having not read the books, I can't really comment on the similarities/differences between the books and the films, so my comment will be purely based on the film.
Overall I enjoyed this film, and I completely disagree with the comments/complaints that this series is just trying to be the next Hunger Games, it's very different in my opinion. I enjoyed the political undertones but only as an exaggeration of a bad system that the leaders always think is "best for the people". I have seen this before and could remember the big plot points but not the little things, so it was good to refresh my memory, but maybe the suspense was taken away by the prior knowledge.
I would, as always, recommend watching this film.
7/10
24/03/2019
It was ok, but too drawn out.
"Fear doesn't shut you down, it wakes you up."
2010's thirst for young adult apocalyptic survivor movies was out of control! They are all pretty similar and have their own flavor, and Divergent is no different. Crazy that they were able to get a trilogy out of this.
Out of all the romances coming from our beloved 2010’s dystopian movie era, I honestly think Tris and Four were the very best <33
They were just SO CUTE but also had insane tension and chemistry!! I mean, Tris really was THAT GIRL and Four was so hot and broody and protective
it's strange to consider that, realistically, the events of this film only happened because someone did a Buzzfeed quiz one day and decided that was a good system for government
As if there weren’t enough young adult sci-fi/fantasy series out there, Divergent tries to launch yet another one. Set in a dystopian future in a society separated by caste a young girl named Beatrice chooses to break from her family and join the warrior caste, but her success threatens the social order. Clearly derivative of The Hunger Games and other contemporary teen fiction, the plot feels familiar and generic. Additionally, the world that’s set up makes no sense and the story’s incomplete (servicing instead as a first act in something larger). And there’s not much talent among the cast (though there are some big name actors like Ray Stevenson and Kate Winslet slumming it here). Still, the film is competently made and delivers a lot of solid action and impressive visual effects. An average science-fiction adventure, Divergent is entertaining but fails to distinguish itself or tell a compelling story.
I have read and enjoyed the book, and have finally gotten around to watching this film adaptation. On the whole it sticks closely to the plot and events of the book, but (as with most such adaptations) misses out certain events that may have enhanced the film. Shailene Woodley and Theo James were fine as the main protagonists, and I always like Ansel Elgort, although he really didn't have much to do in this film; he may have made a better Four than James, but James was good enough, and nice to look at. The role that was really mis-cast though was Jeanine Matthews. The book portrays her as a really cold, ruthless, manipulative woman, but Kate Winslet just can't carry off that type of character very convincingly; generally coming across as being softer and less believable, like she was playing at the part rather than actually living it.
The soundtrack could have been better, and the world/society perhaps needed fleshing out a bit more so that we could really get the feel for the differences between the factions. As it is, we only get to see Dauntless, Abnegation and Erudite. Amity and Candour are barely mentioned. Also, conceptually, surely Erudite - the intelligent thinkers, would have immediately foreseen the major shortcomings of such a divisive society, which would surely far outweigh the advantages. Every society needs some kind of law enforcement (Dauntless) - police officers, security guards, etc, and some elements of Amity, Candour and Abnegation, in a moderated blend, help to keep life worth living.
Instead, the powers-that-be seem to have decreed that being a well-rounded human is abhorrent and illegal, whereas herding them like farm animals into separate fields based upon one particular skill, but punishing them for any non-compliant self-expression, is the best way to carve out a future. I'd love to see how they pitched that future vision at the government meeting, and how long it took to actually build that society. Clearly they have learned nothing from history about the inevitable eventual rebellion of "freedom fighters" against such dictatorial/totalitarian regimes/empires that have sought to crush the human spirit and create nations of mindless drones that are just slaves to the will of the leadership. That whole concept of leadership is flawed and was probably what lead to the apocalyptic war that landed them in this mess in the first place. And somehow the forced the survivors to agree to this utter lunacy, even at the cost of banishing the free-thinking "divergents" to eke out a pitiful existence in the ruination of the old cities. This too is a major own goal, because it will only be a matter of time before some radical amongst them succeeds in rallying them together to overthrow their Empirical enemies. After all, they only really have to take out Dauntless and Erudite, and the other three will most likely capitulate peacefully. If Dauntless are overthrown, Erudite would surely see the wisdom of trying to reach a peaceful compromise that didn't involve persecution, slavery and adherence to stupid rules - what do Abnegation actually do if someone looks at a mirror for more than one minute? Thrown them in jail? Blind them so they can't make the same mistake again? Cast them out so that they're factionless, thereby condemning them to death, or a fate worse than death? None of those three options seems very compliant with the Abnegation ideals of always helping others, no matter what the personal cost, being forgiving and compassionate. This would also surely apply to Amity - the peaceful, friendly, considerate types, after all, "Ami" is French for friend. They're hypocrites to their own ideals just by allowing the very existence of factionless people.
Finally, if a drug/nanochip could be developed to completely supress a person's personality and turn them into a mindless automaton, why did Erudite feel the need to wield Dauntless as a weapon to subdue Abnegation? Why not just insidiously infiltrate Abnegation using just such manipulation to silently gain control of their leaders, and then instruct them to form a coalition with Erudite, but with the mind-control unit being a secret, hidden base that even 99% of Erudites don't know about? This would clearly negate the 'divergent problem' at the same time. There would need to be no (or at least, very little) bloodshed, it would just be playing a slightly longer game than seizing power by force - no doubt another overriding element of the former war.
This has only really occurred to me since watching this film (it has been a few years since I read the book) and makes me think that perhaps Veronica Roth didn't consider the massively illogical nature of the world she'd created when she wrote Divergent. However, I haven't read or watched the two sequels yet, so perhaps these issues are addressed in them?
I have yet to watch Gattaca, The Hunger Games or Maze Runner (they're all in my watchlist) so I can't draw any comparisons to them, but as far as this film goes, without taking in the bigger picture as above: yes, it's a pretty good film that sticks well to the plot of the book, and is definitely worth watching. Just don't expect anything too deep and meaningful.
Love this first instalment the last two wasn’t as good and didn’t really get a conclusion with the last film being cancelled such a shame should of been a way better franchise.
I enjoyed this movie. Great chemistry between Tris and Four. Haven't read the books so can't compare it to them, but definitely curious enough to give them a go now.
I really like this movie, it's quite cool. I love the concept of the factions (Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite), the factionless, and the divergent. My favorite scene (actually two) is when "Run Boy Run" plays. That song is so fitting.
There's also a lot of action in this movie, probably even too much tbh :D It also feels a bit too dark and brutal (it's quite heartbreaking when their parents die at the end and Eric isn't nice at all). At least Four provides some light in the darkness.
There are a few good lines in it though and some nice concepts.
It seems this is a 3 part trilogy;
Divergent (2014)
Insurgent (2015)
Allegiant (2016)
Seems appropo in 2020, doesn't it?
Could've, and perhaps should've, been greater.
'Divergent' does makes for a good watch, it has a lot of positive elements to it and features two strong leads. However, the dialogue and the way the characters act up until the third act is irritating, especially at the beginning as they introduce all those involved.
Shailene Woodley is excellent in her role, she brings likeable qualities to Tris alongside a sense of strength. I also liked Theo James, who portrays Four. A few of the others, like Zoë Kravitz (Christina) and Miles Teller (Peter), are OK too. With that said, they are all let down by the aforementioned iffy dialogue.
I rate the initial world building and all the different factions, though that's one of the (many) areas where I think this film could've been great - so much more can be done with that. More development into the enemies would've been nice too, namely with Kate Winslet's Jeanine. Better fitting music is another thing that was needed.
I did expect more, but I think there's enough here to have a decent time with.
Ok. So it's like Hunger Games, bit without "peta". And it's like Maze runner, but without a maze, just some running.
not bad. not good. just fun.
Damn, the Dauntless are so silly. I mean, they're supposed to be cool and badass, but they just look like they try wayyy too hard. There's a reason Hogwarts houses have more than one characteristic. On the other hand, this obviously made the jumping test painfully easy for someone who technically could be in Erudite as well - after all, these people aren't smart enough to put in a trick "question."
And why didn't Tris help Christina before Macklemore allowed it, or hell, even during the fight? After all, the Dauntless leader literally said "ordinary acts of bravery and the courage that drives one person to stand up for another." Jesus, for someone who's supposedly Abnegation AND Erudite as well she's neither particularly selfless nor clever.
What annoys me most is that the Erudite are the villains. I'm getting tired of this smart = evil trope. In fact, it kind of feels like they are trying to make some weird analogy about the oppression of "good Christians" (I mean, Abnegation are very obviously how conservative Christians see themselves - altruistic, 'modest,' (should) run the government, perhaps a bit stifling and well, maybe some of them beat their children a little too hard) by those evil atheist elites. Hell, they're even wearing blue. Plus, while this movie is ostensibly about non-conformity and breaking with tradition, it's actually extremely reactionary in that it claims that 99.9% of people are basically one-dimensional and can be controlled with the touch of a button.
Also, there's way too many boys who look alike in this movie, half the time I couldn't tell Peter, Caleb, Will and Al apart.
All in all, I thought it was interesting in some ways, and I liked Theo James. Shailene Woodley was good in some parts, but in others her acting was a bit flat ("No - I'm Divergent!" I mean, come ooon.) As many have pointed out, it felt similar to Hunger Games, in setting less so than story, but it kind of lacked the emotional 'weight.' There were some pretty dramatic scenes but they felt somehow rushed and not that dark or oppressive. In fact, the ratio between build-up and climax wasn't good at all. I might give the sequels a try, but honestly this just made me want to re-watch Hunger Games.
it was okay i really did like it so much and i havent even read the books i love Four he is beyond a bae and Tris really came into her own cause that is what happens when you do mess with family. Kate Winslet playing an enemy really had me surprised i liked it so much
While I understand while many would find this movie lacking, I still enjoyed it pretty much. I keep feeling it has a City of Ember vibe. The general concept is promising, but a tad lackluster; the story on the other hand is pretty twisty and dynamic. Characters are diverse, and acting is also fine. Shailene Woodley was and incredibly good pick for the main role, and the chemistry is there between Tris and Four. The soundtrack is solid most of the time, except that one pop track that felt out of place. In general, it's a very lighthearted and entertaining adventure.
Interesting idea but left me with a lot of questions. I also found the ending really unsatisfying.
Book was so good, got me so excited for the movie which was honestly just a flop in comparison
Same crap like Hunger Games, Maze Runner and so on.
Much better than I thought! I really loved it!!
I started watching this movie thinking it was just another 'Hunger Games' type of movie, which it is... but still I enjoyed this movie. Tris is likable and a strong chararacter, the plot is pretty weak but not boring and the tension between Tris and Four is believable. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of these movies.
buy it: if you like the movie you will re-watch it once the sequels come out.
Shailene Woodley and Theo James make a good couple; unfortunately, true to its title, everything else in the movie seems to go off in the wrong direction.
A good movie with a reasonable story, but nothing special.
The acting is just ok.
You feel that this movie was only published to earn money, because of the successful book.
next to the book, this movie sucks.
kiss my ass no spoils here
how is the lady from the test there to do tattoo!!!!!!!!!??????????????
She kept this freaking blonde alive
I enjoyed this movie a lot, it's a good introduction to a series of movies, hopefully, just like the books. Sure, it could have been better, but its definitely not bad.
A unsettling portrait of an all-too likely future for our planet:
http://rwlreviews.blogspot.com/2014/10/movie-review-divergent.html
Too long as for quick, simple and predictable action ending...
The end of the film could have been better! Rest of the movie was a nice "sit back and relax" movie.
Great movie, lacked a bit of common sense here and there but it took it's time for setting up every story aspect nicely. This made it a bit predictable but it didn't bother me for a change.
Also: I deducted 1 point for the story being a too obvious Hunger Games concept copy.
not bad for a Hunger Games clone
Another movie without a script or links between the history, a lot of gaps without explanation, if you want to see a bee alienated society, try the real ones, THX 1971, Brazil 1985 and Equilibrium 2002. I worried if this is a possible future for the movies...
Just... awful. I'm not sure I've ever seen a film with so many plot holes. It just makes no sense!
I guess I am one of those people who claim "the movie is never as good as the book."
The plot still remained somewhat entertaining (although I felt myself getting easily distracted), but any visible character development was lost and many scenes felt illogical or meaningless. I felt some emotion for Shailene "Tris"…but Theo…I really wanted to love you, but other than your chiselled features and dramatic stares…you showed no personality and felt very lifeless, much like a droid. (Oh and definitely could've used Uriah).
I loved it so much!!!
Sometimes predictable and zero character development, but nevertheless pretty entertaining.
This movie it's a mixed salad of tens of different movies that came out in the last years: it copies a little bit from everyone, failing to excel in anything. Its barely watchable, it sure won't keep you glued to the couch. Keep smartphones and any easy distractions away.
Slightly entertaining, very predictable, somewhat boring.
Pretty good chick flick.
if you've read the book then you'd know how they followed every concept exactly the same way it was written. it was mainly slow paced because you were introducing people to the entire plot and it's not something everyone knows. if you skipped the first 30 minutes, you wouldn't understand ANYTHING. Great movie honestly.
I've expected a better movie. For me much worse than The Hunger Games.
I absolutly loved the movie
Yet another movie devoid of any depth, logical character development, logical scenarios or decent acting. Poorly paced, should have been 30 minutes shorter,cliche ridden tripe. Somehow the director even managed to make Kate Winslet look like a B-grad actor. Utter nonsense pandering to the teen market.
For all the hype, I must say I am disappointed with this movie. It's about 75% sci-fi soap-opera (cliché and blasé) and 25% action adventure. It was roughly only the last quarter that made it worth watching at all. I think people forget that they were yawning through the first three quarters, and only remember that they left somewhat excited.
While I was expecting a solid 8 or 9, I was generous in giving it a 7 overall.
This really is one of those movies... "I've seen it, now I won't have to watch it again."
Very good movie on its own, but you should also read the book.
The book simply has more scenes in it. I just miss some of the scenes in the film, like the story with Edward (although he is listed in the cast of Insurgent on IMDb) and the scene in which Tris comes back from the Erudite compound and Eric gives Tris hell that she left the compound unsupervised.
It was good and entertaining, better than I expected. The ideas of bad are so wrong with thenselves
this movie is probably one of the best adaptations of all time. They were so loyal to book and also they did include new scenes to film. The only thing that bothers me about this film is the exaggeration of tris' weakness at first to make her seem stronger.
Weak sauce and now with a tired, old cliché. One can't help but compare Divergent to The Hunger Games movies. In fact don't, you'll only come away terribly disappointed like I did.
Filled with slight softcore scenes (for the Teehee crowd I suppose) and silly American Idol/The X Factor type of music soundtracks. These elements try to evoke emotion from you, played by wooden actors (Ashley, what happened to you?!) with zero care from me as to what happens to them. Don't get me started on the paintball guns disguised as real "futuristic" guns and so little blood shown, it could only fill a thimble.
Total junk movie capitalizing on the current trend of movies like The Hunger Games. 1/10
I absolutely loved the film. I recently read the book and sure, there were scene that I wished were in the move. But I loved the acting, I loved the scenery and everything. A very good adaption of a very good book!
it was ok Your shout seems a bit short, please put some more thought into it.
The movie was so good! I don´t understand what the previous commentators were seeing, but from my point of view it was amazing. I absolutely loved it, because it followed the book as much as possible. It was perfect. Movies like this make me think it is possible to create something that presents the book as it really is. Anyway, I loved it.
Review by Simon MasseyVIP 11BlockedParent2014-07-19T03:40:52Z
Whilst not having read the source novels, Divergent desire to be the next "Hunger Games" style franchise is evident in its dystopian setting, purportedly strong intelligent female characters ( they're not ! ) and sequel baiting in its resolution. What is disappointing is the lack of any originality to distinguish itself from other similar ideas - it's faction based society heavily influenced by films like Gattaca and others of that ilk. The film also spends an inordinate amount of time with one faction, and probably the least interesting one at that, devoting the bulk of its plot to the heroine being trained, and of course, falling for one of her trainers. You would think that the focus would be on the so-called Divergent group, given the title and the vague ominous warnings from several characters about their threat. Perhaps the sequels will develop this better, but here it is simply a plot device to touch base with typical themes of individuality, free will and teen angst over being pigeonholed, as well as provide a motivation for the villain's plot. That it rarely explores these within any great depth is the film's main problem, preferring to focus on the developing romance between the two leads. There are no surprises in the story, but the central leads do their best with the thin material and it is watchable enough.