HOLLYWOOD—“Divergent” takes place in Chicago after a devastating war Everyone outside the wall of the city is said to be destroyed and to keep the peace everyone is grouped into five factions biased on their character traits.
Candor, value, honesty and justice, Amity, value and peace are characterized as the kind, Erudite are the smart ones who value intelligence above all else, the Dauntless believe in being brave and they strive to protect the city from any danger that could potentially harm and lastly, Abnegation are the selfless, they give to the poor and help everyone in need, like the factionless who belong nowhere.
Tris (Shailene Woodley) grew up in abnegation, but always struggled with being selfless, it just didn’t come natural to her, so when she takes her aptitude test to see what faction she would best fit into, her confusion becomes greater when it comes back inconclusive. Struck with the decision as to choose between various factions, Tris worries that she will hurt her family if she leaves. In a flooding act of bravery, she chooses to be selfish and joins the Dauntless.
Leading a new life in the Dauntless faction leads to near death experiences on a daily basis, as they train to fight to defend the city. The group also learns to put off cowardice in an effort to be free from fear. The balance of power has changed as Eric, (Jai Courtney) a Dauntless leader, introduces new rules that involve a more arrogant and brutal sense of bravery.
The story line truly does reach beyond that of advocating bravery or being smart, but strives to emphasize the importance of being all of these things. Not because just one trait is good, but all together we can find a balance within ourselves, not just in society.
As Tris struggles through the ranks almost becoming factionless she learns that she is more of a threat than she thought. Divergence leads to nonconformity and is a dangerous trait in this society. However, with the help of Four (Theo James) her instructor, she escapes the detection of her divergence and together they fight against the rising power of the Erudite.
In a fight for her family’s lives and her new friend’s innocence, she must go head to head with Jeanine (Kate Winslet) the Erudite leader in a battle that challenges her worst fears and stretches her abilities beyond being brave, but to be smart, selfless, kind and honest.
The movie was very intense in the sense of action and will leave moviegoers on the edge of their seat. Putting the thrill aside, the story follows the development of Tris and Four and how they come to realize that being Divergent is much more than a threat to society. There is something deeper within, as the protagonists try to keep a balance within themselves, while staying alive in a corrupt society. “Divergent” really is an inspiring movie.
