When I saw the trailer, I initially thought the movie was another "The Fault in Our Stars" kind of film where the main character is dying and the loved ones are left in deep grief but I was wrong because the movie - "If I Stay" is not plainly focused on telling a story but it's more of delivering a life lesson that every human in the midst of life crisis should realize. Well, you have to watch the movie for you to know what the film is trying to get across but surely it's an inspiring message that can lift anybody's soul.
"If I stay" is a romantic & family drama film based on a novel of the same name by Gayle Forman. I haven't read the book but I'm guessing it's more of a narration of the life story of Mia Hall (the main character) just like in the movie. I think it's a good book for people who loves to read inspirational stories but I don't personally recommend reading the book before you watch the movie. :-)
The movie started in a slow phase and I think 25% of the film are filled with boring scenes but if you pay close attention to the script delivered by all the characters, you would realize every moment of the movie is meaningful. There were tons of inspiring quotations shared during the movie and those I considered significant messages that make this motion picture a strong film.
On the other hand, I'm not so much impressed by the filmmaker and director R.J. Cutler because I find the structure of the movie less cohesive due to over shifting of multiple scenes. The movie itself already conveys several complicated situations and the back & forth transmission of circumstances just made the film heavier to seize. But on the brighter side, I have to give credit to the musicality and cinematography of the movie which I find very cool and soothing.
Actress Chloë Grace Moretz played the major role as Mia Hall and she delivered a beautiful performance. At first I thought she lacks intensity with her acting but as the movie progressed, I realized she was just being in her character as a 17 year old girl who's being loved by everyone and never really had experienced a great problem not until the terrible accident. Her leading man, Jamie Blackley who played as Adam was a big surprise to me. He delivered a sincere portrayal as a rising rock'n roll star who's madly in love with a classical girl who plays cello (something you wont expect from a guy who's in a rock band). With his looks and talent in music, this guy really knows how to sweep any girl off her feet. He reminded me of the kind of guy that my friend (Ysai) would probably like to date -- skinny raggedly handsome musician. :-p
Other casts are Joshua Leonard (Denny), Liana Liberato (played as Kim who by the way looks like Amanda Bynes), Stacy Keach (Gramps) and Ali Milner (Liz). But for me, Mireille Enos who played as Kat, Mia's mother conveyed the most outstanding portrayal in the movie. She has a funny character but also delivered a very crucial role in Mia's life. Actually, she has few of the most encouraging quotations which I was personally moved by.
What I really love the most about this movie is that it brings me back to my college memories when I was still dreaming about my future. I love the fact that "If I Stay" reflects the importance of life choices and the value of your loved ones whether be your partner or family to your decisions. Allow me to quote one of my favorite lines in the movie - "Sometimes you make choices in life but sometimes choices make you."
My rating for this movie is 8 over 10. ««««««««¶¶
Pictures via www.ifistaymovie.com
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