Divergent (8/5/2014)

Rated PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality.

Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jai Courtney and Ray Stevenson

Directed by Neil Burger (The Illusionist)

This movie is definitely more than just one thing.

Based on Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times best-selling novel, “Divergent” is a gripping action thriller set in a futuristic world where society has been divided into five factions. As each person approaches adulthood, he or she must choose a faction and commit to it for the rest of their life. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) chooses Dauntless-the daring risk-takers who pursue bravery above all else. During the Dauntless initiation, Tris completes death-defying stunts and faces her inmost fears in spectacular simulations. When she discovers she is a Divergent, someone who will never be able to fit into just one faction, she is warned that she must conceal this secret or risk her life. As Tris uncovers a looming war that threatens her family and the life of the mysterious Dauntless leader whom she has come to love, Tris must face her greatest test yet-deciding whether revealing she is a Divergent will save her world, or destroy it.

I remember seeing The Hunger Games and knowing that it wouldn’t take long for Hollywood to produce more just like it. Say hello to Divergent.

I completely understand how these films appeal to the younger generation. With characters like Tris leading the way, young ladies have another hero to admire and imitate. And Shailene Woodley plays her perfectly. The rest of the cast is mainly solid, with the exception of Jai Courtney – who I’m still waiting to deliver a great performance.

The story line is a pretty clever look into a bleak future where humans are split into factions that conform to an individual’s temperament. Each person must become “one thing” in order to keep order in this new society… more on that below.

That bleak future is also full of some great action and special effects.

Neil Burger does a superb job of keeping the story and the action moving at a great pace. He also manages to keep that perfect balance between the story and the action.

And speaking of action, Divergent, like The Hunger Games, shows us a fair amount of violence in this PG-13 film.

With some very likable characters, an interesting look at the future, and a decent script Divergent is “theater worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no nudity but there are several scenes where characters kiss.

The B-word is used twice and the A-word is used once.

There is a fair amount of violence. Blood is sometimes shown but it is not gory. The entire movie is intense and some scenes are frightening. Like when a teenager commits suicide, by throwing himself into a deep chasm. There are also several intense scenes related to common fears. This movie should be fine for people aged 13 and over. Younger viewers may find the film frightening and in general may not get the whole concept of the film.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What does it mean to be “divergent”?


2. Why are those in power threatened by divergents?


3. Why are factions a bad idea?


4. Why are they a good idea?


5. Read Romans 12:4-8
   
   4 A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. 5 That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. 6 God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. 7 If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. 8 If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.
   
   What does this passage tell us about the gifts God has given us?


6. How can you use your gifts in your church or youth group?