The Fault in Our Stars

Simply beautiful film. I don't have much to criticize about it. Of course, some might find it self-indulgent. I see it as a beautiful celebration of love and life, portrayed brilliantly by the chosen actors. Humans are weak, but they can also be strong, and here we see it in all its aspects, just like the good and nasty people. The strongest part is definitely the events in Amsterdam. (08/29/2014)

It's a shame that this film will find its place among my favorites, and yet I will probably never watch it again. Because Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort gave some of the most natural acting performances. That's why it's a shame, and why I won't be watching it again. Because if they hadn't been so great, I wouldn't be so taken with it. And I don't even have words for the story. (05/20/2015)

Okay, Hazel Grace? Moments of laughter, moments of tears – and the whole time with clenched fists, cheering for one miracle. The stars might not have been on Jim's side, but they were on ours. Because we could witness a captivating, intimate, and deeply personal love story. Personal not because Augustus has a Mass Effect poster at home or because he watches Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Hazel. Not even because I would definitely date a grenade of a girl. No, it's because until the very last breath, I admire how two people – despite illnesses, pain, and heart-wrenching disappointments looming every day – can give each other everything. And those who have loved before understand that a smile with tear-filled eyes is a constant state when it comes to these Stars. (06/12/2014)

It's not the power of the premise or the media hype that makes this quality film a hit. What would The Shawshank Redemption be, with its potential for acting, plot and ideas, if it were filmed conventionally, aimed solely at reliable and convenient one-dimensional themes, and if it relied solely on all audiences having enough humanity and automatic empathy to appreciate it simply because it carries a laudable message? The Fault in Our Stars has a great cast and a commendable idea, but it's kitsch of the coarsest grain, which I have no need to see again in my life and which, despite all the cute faces and touching hugs, failed to tell me anything new. Both love and death are a given in life, and there are many other films that make me appreciate the former indescribably more and take the latter as a harmless, if unwelcome, companion. 65% (11/12/2015)

I was getting ready to watch this movie with my girlfriend for quite some time. It is advisable to prepare some tissues and steel your nerves before watching this movie, which tells a story of people where you already know in advance what is awaiting them. And it is nothing pretty. All the more surprised I was by the natural and nice way the story was told in. I also like it when Americans travel to Europe, so I enjoyed that part of the movie as well. The finale is nerve-wrecking, depressing and so on, but what else could you expect from a film like this? Luckily, the ending did not make me as sad as I was worried it would, so I think the movie managed this part perfectly. (05/20/2015)