The Giver - DVD

Bibliographic Information
Title: The Giver
Type of Media: DVD
Director: Phillip Noyce
Actors: Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Brenton Thwaites, Katie Holmes, Taylor Swift
Release Date: November 25, 2014
Curriculum Ties: Compare and Contrast Book to DVD
Rating: PG-13








Plot Summary
This DVD is based on the book written by Lois Lowry and follows Jonas, a young man who lives in a society which seems perfect. After a difficult time in society's history everything is restructured. The memories of the past are all collected and only given to one person, the Receiver of Memory. When Jonas gets his assignment to become the new Receiver of Memory he begins to meet with the Giver and starts to gain all kinds of memories and knowledge that no one else has. When Jonas learns that there was a previous new Receiver of Memory chosen before him but upon receiving the information she committed suicide from not being able to handle it. He learns about the procedures of releasing that the community uses to be rid of babies who are not strong enough and elders who have passed their prime. The more memories Jonas receives the more he becomes sure that he must change it all and the only way to do that is to release the memories back to the community.

Critical Evaluation
The movie was well produced and the complicated plotline of the novel was very carefully rewritten into a script that not only made sense but portrayed the most important pieces of the story in a captivating story. The actors and actresses within this movie were well selected and all put on a fantastic show. With The Giver being a required reading for many teens this is a great DVD to have within a collection and give teens a chance to be able to work through the differences of a novel plotline and a DVD's story.

Reader's Annotation
A family friendly movie that will captivate people of all ages.

Possible Challenges
There is no material within this movie that I foresee any challenges to.

Defense File

Have the library's selection policy and the Library Bill of Rights ready to hand out

Access to honest reviews from trusted sources

Know the awards, if any, the book has earned

Understand the material so you can explain the use of the book as a good talking point for serious and sensitive issues

A lot of times people just want their concerns heard, so make sure you listen

If they are still persistent be able to offer them a reconsideration form

 
Reason for Inclusion
This was a very well done adaptation of a classic book for teens. It is a storyline I wouldn't want anyone to miss!