DIVERGENT: …this hunger game needed more on entertainment! Still a good watch!! [3/5]

Not all Sci-fi action thrillers are heaving with meticulously detailed and extensive visual recreations of a futuristic world only can be constructed from the immeasurable usage of creativity and technology. Some play it subtle, delicate and translucently in synced with human emotions at the base. Neil Burger’s DIVERGENT is one such science-fiction based on the bestselling novel of same name by Veronica Roth.

In the futuristic society of Chicago, natives get segmented in five major factions based on their human instincts of selflessness, tranquility, honesty, intelligence and courage. A classified social structure that gives everyone a well-deserved chance to actively take participation in the growth and smooth run of the culture looks more than just impressive at first but it starts losing its sheen soon when a girl [Shailene Woodley] of her own set of fears and complexities gets identified as an another kind who doesn’t fit any of the five factions. From the time she had to choose for her preferred faction to the heartless phase in the training camp, this so-called ‘Divergent’ girl constantly fights with her inner uncertainty about her identity, abilities and the emotional strength that could drive her to any extent till she smells conspiracy against the more human-less mechanical ‘Divergents’.

‘DIVERGENT’ represents an ultra-modern version of a society that is very much identical to our caste-system where every group has its responsibility well-designed, defined and pre-decided but technology-driven. It also dares to question our missing sensitivity and compassion against each other. The combatants are being produced endlessly like on a conveyor belt but with literally no sense of right and wrong. Film slips assertively into a human-emotional drama rather going the way awe-striking action sequences charm our regular sci-fi viewers. And that makes us uncomfortable in our seats sometimes because of its a bit stretched duration and a pace that rebels to move story ahead. Though the film has a cautionary declaimer as ‘all the stunts seen here have been performed under expert supervision and it is advised to do not attempt this at your own’, leave a couple of scenes in the first half and you would hardly notice any such pulsating action sequences to fulfill the promise. Lacking in the entertainment quotient here is a big letdown.

On the performances, Shailene as a puzzled individual about her identity carries the film on her shoulders. Her character graph promises a good wide playground to perform varied emotions and she utilizes that very efficiently. Theo James supports her well as Four-the instructor at the training camp. Kate Winslet plays an important cameo and does it beautifully. Film’s biggest strength is the comforting cinematography, bright music score and visual effects that transit you in a futuristic world that’s less complicated and very much relatable. 

At the end, Neil Burger’s DIVERGENT is a good watch despite its occasionally dead pace and the shortage of jaw-dropping action sequences but not for regular hardcore science-fiction lovers. [3/5]