The Fault in Our Stars

Director – Josh Boone

Script – Scott Neustadler and Michael Weber

Cast – Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Laura Dern, William Dafoe

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” 

-  Mark Twain

            Based on the bestselling novel of the same name ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ follows the journey of teenage cancer patient Hazel (Woodley) and her ‘support group’ friend Augustus Walters (Elgort) who try discovering life in its tiniest avatar knowing that oblivion is not far away. It is a tale of hope and despair.

            Even if you have not read the book, it is highly unlikely that you would not be moved by certain scenes in the film. Director Josh Boone maintains its appeal minus the typical melodrama and play of words. He has captured the gap between the innocence of adolescence and the road to maturity.

Death is inevitable, the more we think of it the farther we drift from the daily pleasures of life. The film teaches us to face it with courage and happiness. You can’t help but sob when the script correlates itself to the life of Anne Frank (scenes shot in her museum in Amsterdam are beautiful).

The lead pair will serve as an ideal for young couples. Watch out for the excellent support provided by Nat Woolf as Issac and William Dafoe as Hazel’s favourite author Peter van Houten.

            I am going with four out five stars for ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. Remember to carry your handkerchiefs!!