Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Divergent: Allegiant Adoption Movie Review
After genetic experiments failed miserably, The Bureau of
Genetic Welfare has created several isolated cities where genetically crafted societies
are created, with the hope that eventually these societies will produce
genetically pure people. Tris and her companions have escaped from the city of
Chicago, and have now discovered the Bureau. Tris speaks with David; she
initially believes that he intends to bring peace to Chicago, but learns that
he has known of all the terrible events that they have experienced, and did nothing
to stop them. Wars are breaking out in Chicago, but Tris and her friends decide
to go to Chicago to tell the citizens about The Bureau, who she believes is
their common enemy.
The Adoption
Connection
The Bureau takes impoverished children and places them in
cities like Chicago. The Bureau’s position is that they are saving the
children; opponents say that they are stealing the children. To ensure a fresh
start, the Bureau wipes the children’s memories. A character protests, “If you
take away what they know, you take away who they are.”
Strong Points
Although she shows it in misguided ways, Four’s mother
demonstrates her love for him, and shows how important their relationship is,
at great cost to herself.
Challenges
Lots of violence, including executions carried out by bloodthirsty
mobs, could make this a difficult movie for some kids and pre-teens. Tris
initially suggests that she will not save her brother from such an execution,
since he did wrong, and she “owes him nothing.” She does eventually save him,
saying “It’s what you do for family.”
Tris and her friends initially thought they were safe when
they got to the Bureau, but instead they found yet another set of untrustworthy
adults.
Recommendations
Divergent: Allegiant seems most likely to appeal to
teenagers; it is probably too violent for many younger viewers. Critics have panned
it widely, and some adults might find it less entertaining than they’d like. This
one is probably OK for teens 15 and up. The film does not mention adoption, and
many viewers will not see a connection between adoption and the Bureau’s gathering
of children. For those teens who do see a connection, parents will want to be
prepared to talk about it after the movie.
Questions for
Discussion
The Bureau was imposing their help on people who did not
have the option to refuse. How do you feel about that?
How can you know when you are with a safe adult?
How much of your self-identity is informed by what you know
about your past, and about your family’s past?
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