The Giver is a 2014 American dystopian drama film directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Jeff Bridges, Brenton Thwaites, Odeya Rush, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgård, Katie Holmes, Cameron Monaghan, Taylor Swift, and Emma Tremblay. The film is based on the 1993 young adult novel by Lois Lowry. The Giver premiered on August 11, 2014, was released theatrically in the United States on August 15, 2014 and received a People's Choice Award nomination for "Favorite Dramatic Movie".
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Plot
Following a calamity referred to as "the Ruin," society has been reorganized, taking away any sense of emotion, good or bad. Babies are conceived through genetic engineering, and neuroleptic-like medications suppress strong emotions and sexual desire. All memories of old are held by one person, the Receiver of Memory, to shield the rest of the community. The Receiver and his protégé are the only people able to see in color, which is otherwise eliminated from the community to prevent envy. The community is ruled by elders, including the Chief Elder.
Jonas, who lives in the community, is a 16-year-old boy whose best friends are Asher and Fiona.
On graduation day, Jonas is told that he will become the next Receiver of Memory and will progressively receive memories of history from his predecessor, the Giver. During his training with the Giver, Jonas gradually learns about the past and about joy, pain, death, and love. He stops taking his daily injections (which had stopped him from dreaming and thinking about Fiona, for whom he has feelings) and begins to experience emotion.
