by BRIANNA SICILIANO Photo/Video Editor
The best-selling novel “The Fault In Our Stars,” written by John Green, broke the pre-sales record for top-selling romantic drama. The film, released on June 6, sold out various cinemas throughout the world on its release weekend, and its success is only just beginning.
“The Fault In Our Stars” tells the story of Isaac (Nat Wolff), Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), and Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) who all have one thing in common – cancer. Isaac and Augustus happen to be best friends, and one day Augustus decides to attend the local church’s cancer support group with his friend.
On that same day, Hazel’s mother forced her ‘depressed’ daughter to attend the same support group meeting. At the support group, Augustus reveals that he is fearful of oblivion. Hazel is not fond of Augustus’ answer, and she has no problem speaking her mind. Little does she know, this causes Augustus to admire her even more.
From day one, Augustus and Hazel Grace are perfect for each other. Augustus is not turned off by Hazel’s oxygen tubes, and Hazel is not turned off by Gus’ fake leg. They do not fall for each other out of pity or because they both suffer from cancer; they fall for each other because they know it is right in their hearts.
Gus and Hazel Grace exchange their favorite books with one another, which leads to amazing memories for Hazel and Gus to share. Hazel’s obsession with her favorite novel, “An Imperial Affliction” written by Peter Van Houten (who author John Green made up), inspires Augustus to e-mail Van Houten’s assistant and try to get answers for Hazel Grace.
Eventually, Hazel and Augustus plan a trip to Amsterdam (thanks to the Genies, who are similar to the Make-A-Wish foundation), and are excited to meet Hazel’s favorite author of all time. Unfortunately, Hazel’s health takes a turn for the worse when fluid builds up in her damaged lungs, which is a major set back. Will Hazel be able to make the trip to Amsterdam?
Unfortunately, Hazel Grace’s doctors inform their patient that making the trip to Amsterdam is a bad idea and is not safe for her health and well-being. Hazel is absolutely devastated.
One day, while checking her email, Hazel notices a message from Van Houten’s assistant. The email contains an itinerary for the three-day trip to Amsterdam. Does that mean that the trip is back on? Yes! The trip was cut short from six days to three, but Augustus, Hazel, and Mrs. Lancaster will be flying to Amsterdam!
The journey to Amsterdam is adorable and romantic; this is Augustus’ first time on a plane and he is very nervous. He and Hazel lock hands and make the best of their take-off.
As their trip progresses, their relationship becomes cuter and cuter.
The lovebirds enjoy a romantic dinner at a restaurant, and while they enjoy their champagne and food, Augustus admits that he is deeply in love with Hazel Grace.
He says, “I am in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we are all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we’ll ever have, and I am in love with you.”
When Hazel Grace and Gus meet Peter Van Houten the next day, they are deeply saddened to learn that Hazel’s favorite author is just a rude and arrogant alcoholic. Hazel does not get the answers that she was looking for; instead, she listens to her idol’s disgusting and hurtful remarks about their cancers.
To make up for their terrible meeting, Van Houten’s assistant takes Gus and Hazel to the Anne Frank House. Hazel somehow finds the strength to climb the countless numbers of stairs. Once she reaches the top, Hazel and Gus share a romantic kiss. Everyone around them claps at the beautiful moment they are witnessing.
That night, Hazel Grace and Augustus embrace each other and their love by giving themselves to each other. The couple shares a night that they will never forget, which seems like the perfect end to their trip, right? Wrong.
The next day, right before leaving Amsterdam for good, Augustus reveals to the love of his life that his cancer is back: “Just before you went to the ICU, I started to feel this ache in my hip…So I went in for a PET scan…It lit up like a Christmas tree, Hazel Grace.”
Isaac – who is now fully blind – and Hazel Grace spend a lot of time with Augustus. The three musketeers head over to Monica (Isaac’s ex-girlfriend)’s house and allow Isaac to get out his anger and frustration by giving him eggs to throw at Monica’s car.
“Everyone in the crowded audience at the theatre was sitting at the edge of their chairs. We all laughed as Isaac let out his anger towards his ex. It was a relief to see a happy scene after what had just happened, but the smiles do not last long. In the next few scenes, Augustus’ health takes a turn for the worst,” said junior Kira Rea.
Augustus’s chemotherapy stops working after a terrible infection. He and Hazel Grace embrace the remaining days of life that they have together. During this time, Augustus attends his own pre-funeral where Isaac and Hazel make heartfelt speeches. During the speeches, the audience is laughing one second, and then bawling their eyes out the next.
Eight days after his pre-funeral, Augustus Waters passes away. Peter Van Houton shows up at Gus’ funeral, to Hazel’s surprise, and is his usual nasty self. Van Houton gives Hazel an email that Gus sent just days before his passing. In his letter, Augustus writes one of the most romantic love letters a girl could ever dream of.
“Needless to say, I left the movie theatre in tears. ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ is one of my favorite novels and the movie was incredible; the actors portrayed the characters beautifully. I would not change a thing about the movie,” said an anonymous student.
I have seen many movies over the past year, and this movie tops them all. I recommend this novel and film to everyone.
Have you read “The Fault In Our Stars” yet? Have you seen the movie? What do you think about the two? If you have not read the novel yet, do you plan on seeing the movie before you read the book?