Engaging Movie, but does not do the story justice

Rating: 7/10 (19 April 2014)

It is impossible to expect a movie to be identical to a novel, especially when the novel is filled with so many details. However, the movie adaptation of Divergent not only changed parts of the novel, but altered the characterization of many of the initiates and even completely left out some important characters and events. For those who see the movie without having read the novel first, it is a thrilling and engaging story. But for those who have already read the true story, it leaves us wanting much more.
WARNING: SPOILERS On the plus side, Divergent's cast was stunning, and the chemistry between the lead characters was breathtaking. Those who did not read the books would be able to easily understand the plot. The final scenes were very emotional, thanks to the brilliant acting of the cast, and the entire movie keeps you on the edge of your seat.
However, the film seems to focus more on events then the actual characters were are extremely important to the plot. Several characters are never even mentioned. Al's friendship with and feelings for Tris are never made clear, so one who has not read the novel would not understand why his death is so significant to her. Peter's brutality towards Tris and all of the transfers is so oversimplified he seems more like any other transfer than a lifelong enemy to Tris. In one of the last scenes, in which Tris must find a way to shut down the simulation, the plot was unnecessarily altered. Rather than just Tris and Tobias alone in the room, Jeanine Matthews and a number of soldiers were also present. Although this added additional action to the scene. it took away from the intimacy and emotional connection between Tris and Tobias during this scene. After Tobias recognized Tris, they immediately had to start battling soldiers. It gave the final hurrah to Tris for figuring out how to use the simulation on Jeanine, but this created a more predicable and cheesy ending.
Considering the amazing chemistry between Woodley and James, it was a disappointment that the movie didn't delve farther into their relationship. Tris never refers to "Four" by his real name, taking away from the special connection only they have. In fact, during one of the fear simulations in which Tris is afraid of being intimate with Tobias, it seems more like he is trying to rape her, which just makes the scene seem uncomfortable and out of place.
Overall, Divergent was an engaging and thrilling film with excellent acting and special effects. It is perfectly understandable that the plot had to be shortened for the sake of time, thus changing the story slightly. However, the abundance of inconsistencies between novel and movie leaves viewers longing for more depth into the minds of the characters and their relationships. The movie offers plenty of action, emotion, and romance, but the rest of the story is left to the imagination.