Ethics – Assignment 2

THE REFLECTION OF “THE GIVER”

“The Giver” is a science fiction movie about how after an apocalyptic event, humans
created a community without any pain, suffering or conflict. When I first started watching the
movie, it felt like just another science fiction where technology suddenly turns evil or where
there are evil, controlling “elders” who nobody dared to confront or accuse of basic human
violations, and how the rules made by the elders would eventually be broken by an underdog
teenager who saves the day and is suddenly the hero. Well, I was half right.

The movie really was about elders creating strict rules that were in no way natural for
humans but this concept was different. To start with, the one that saves the day is not an
underdog but he was chosen based on his intelligence and courage. Also, there was “the
receiver” who was burdened with “memories of the past”, and this person was sort of like an
advisor to the government. Upon his retirement he passes on the memories to a new receiver.
That’s new.

The movie was brilliantly portrayed as black and white, to show that in that community
there was no colors or races or even religions and that everyone was equal. Although, the one
that starts to understand life different from everyone else sees colors, to show that they are
experiencing something that others are not. It was a great way of showing that in the movie. The
movie follows three friends, who promise to stay friends forever but drift apart after they
graduate. I like that in the end, they were still there for each other, showing feel-good friendship.

The one thing I wished I saw more of was, life at the community after the barrier was
lifted and the lives of Jonas and Gabriel in the little house they found. Does Jonas go back?
Does Gabriel take his place? Do Jonas and Fiona get married? I wished the answers were
there. Nevertheless, the movie was incredible and I enjoyed it a lot.

SAEED, IYATH
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