The Giver Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Review, and More
by Rohit
Updated Apr 25, 2023
The Giver Plot Summary
n the 2014 movie adaptation of "The Giver," which is based on the novel by Lois Lowry, the story is set in a seemingly utopian society in a future world where there is no war, pain, conflict, or inequality. The story follows Jonas (played by Brenton Thwaites), a young man who is assigned the rare role of the "Receiver of Memory." This means he is chosen to receive and keep all the memories of their society's past, including the painful and difficult ones.
As Jonas trains and gains more knowledge about their society's past, he becomes aware of the dark side of their seemingly perfect world, including the control and suppression of emotions, individuality, and free will. He also discovers that his community's leaders, including the Chief Elder (played by Meryl Streep) and the Giver (played by Jeff Bridges), are hiding the truth from their citizens for the sake of maintaining order and avoiding conflict.
As Jonas and The Giver work together to plan a way to expose the truth and help the community, Jonas realizes that he must also save a baby boy named Gabriel (played by twins Cameron and Connor Monaghan), who has been selected to be "released" (killed) because he is deemed to be weak and unfit to live in their society. Jonas decides to flee with Gabriel and receives help from his father (played by Alexander Skarsgård) and friend Fiona (played by Odeya Rush) who supports him.
The climax of the movie takes place during Jonas and Gabriel's escape as they face numerous obstacles and dangers to reach the edge of the community. The film ends on a hopeful but ambiguous note as Jonas and Gabriel sled toward an uncertain future, leaving the fate of their characters open to interpretation. Overall, the movie raises many thought-provoking questions about societal structures, individual freedom, and the inherent human desire for truth and connection.
The Giver Ending Explained
The ending of "The Giver," whether the book or the movie adaptation, has been a subject of much debate and interpretation over the years. In the book, the ending is left somewhat ambiguous, with Jonas and the baby Gabriel fleeing the community and uncertain of their ultimate fate. Some readers interpret this as a hopeful ending, with the two characters possibly finding a new, better life elsewhere. Others see it as a tragic ending, with the two characters likely dying in the freezing cold and snow.
In the movie adaptation, the ending was changed somewhat from the book to provide more closure. In the film, Jonas and Gabriel reach the top of a snowy hill and see a sled waiting for them. They ride the sled down the hill, and the screen fades to white, implying that they have either died or reached a new, better place.
The ending of "The Giver" can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the reader or viewer's perspective. Some see it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of conformity and sacrificing individuality for the collective good, while others see it as a hopeful story about the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
The Giver Cast
Character
Cast
The Giver
Jeff Bridges
Jonas
Brenton Thwaites
Fiona
Odeya Rush
Chief Elder
Meryl Streep
Jonas' Father
Alexander Skarsgård
Jonas' Mother
Katie Holmes
Gabriel
Cameron Monaghan and Evan and Keegan Boos (played by twins)
The Giver Movie Themes
The 2014 movie adaptation of "The Giver" explores several themes that are central to the story. One of the main themes is the idea of memory and the importance of remembering one's past. In the film, Jonas is chosen to be the keeper of the memories of the past, and he discovers that hiding or repressing the past can have dire consequences. Through Jonas's journey, the film explores the idea that memories, both good and bad, are essential for personal growth and for understanding the world around us.
Another theme that the movie explores is the concept of conformity and individuality. In the movie's society, people are expected to conform to a set of strict rules and regulations, with everyone being the same as each other. The film questions the notion that conformity is necessary for happiness, as Jonas discovers that individualism and uniqueness can lead to a more fulfilling life.
The movie also touches on the theme of the value of human life, especially with the character of Gabriel, a baby who is deemed "unworthy" of living in their society and is slated for euthanasia. Jonas's decision to save Gabriel and flee with him highlights the importance of valuing all human life, regardless of any perceived flaws or mistakes.
The themes explored in the movie adaptation of "The Giver" are thought-provoking and relevant, urging viewers to consider the role of memory, individuality, and human life in our society.
The Giver Movie Review
The 2014 movie adaptation of "The Giver" received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film's visuals and performances from its cast, particularly Jeff Bridges in the role of The Giver. Others criticized the film for straying too far from the source material and for simplifying some of the more complex themes and ideas of the book.
In her review for The New York Times, Manohla Dargis wrote that while the film "starts with promise," it "steadily devolves into a banal, young-adult adventure story." RogerEbert.com called the movie "anemic," while Common Sense Media praised the film's ability to "both educate and entertain."
While the movie did not receive universal acclaim, it still has its share of fans and remains an interesting adaptation of Lowry's original book.
The Giver Ending Explained- FAQs
"The Giver" is set in a seemingly utopian society in which everyone is assigned a role, except for the Receiver of Memory, who holds all the memories of the past.
The movie stars Jeff Bridges, Brenton Thwaites, Odeya Rush, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgård, and Katie Holmes, among others.
While the movie follows the general plot of Lois Lowry's original book, it does make some changes, such as adding more action and a romantic subplot.
The movie explores themes such as memory, conformity vs. individuality, and the value of human life, among others.
The movie received mixed reviews, with some praising its cast and visuals, while others criticized its deviations from the book and oversimplification of the themes.