How I Live Now- Movie Review

I just came back from the movie How I Live Now... And I'm already writing this review, because- well, because- it was simply amazing. So keep reading.


How I Live Now In- I'm in love with this movie ;')
How I live Now

     Let's start with the background of this movie: it's adapted by Kevin Macdonald from Meg Rosoff's novel, How I Live Now.
Although I know the movie is a little bit different from Meg Rosoff's story, this is the description I found of the novel on Goodreads, if you're interested (if not, scroll down):

Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy.

As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.


     I haven't read the book, to be honest, which is why I just bought it on Kindle.
The story is touching, and surreal- but all the while SO CLOSE TO REALITY. It illustrates what a World War III would look like. We often look at footage from World Wars I and II thinking, deep-down inside, that it's all in the past and part of history. But we don't stop to think that in that day it WAS the modern time, it WAS the present moment. This movie shows us how scary war really is, and most importantly that it's REAL and not just some chapter of history to be forgotten.

     Can we talk about the characters in this story?
They are brave, determined and so young! I fell in love with each and every main character. Well, more importantly, Daisy and Eddie. They are both so strong and sweet (even if for Daisy it may not show right away). And how they fall in love... how they fall in love... *sigh*
It made me fall in love. The falling-in-love process was portrayed so beautifully.
Not to mention how amazing the actors are: Daisy is played by Saoirse Ronan and Eddie by George MacKay. Can we just obsess over the beauty of these people? I mean, just look at them!


❤
How I Live Now


How I live now
Saoirse Ronan


George Mackay... perfection <3
George MacKay- I'm pretty sure that's what perfection looks like.
     The war separates Daisy and Eddie, which makes their relationship all the more powerful when they find each other again. They've both gone through unspeakably horrific events, which I won't spoil for you by naming, which makes their reunion heroic, and...tear-provoking.

     This is a story about relationships- not just the romance between Daisy and Eddie but also Daisy's relationship with her other cousins. It's a story about survival, about love, and about hate. It's about loss, and confusion, and how war changes a person.
It's about finding the meaning to life.

     The music in this film is wonderful. There's all types of music: lyrical, hard-rock, upbeat and fun... they really suit the story and were well chosen (heading over to iTunes to buy the soundtrack right now!)

     I'd have to say the most beautiful part of this film was the ending. It was tender, touching, and simply perfect. I cried. I think it was the most beautiful end to a movie I've ever seen. I can't wait to find out how it ends in the book. Please watch the movie, you'll understand.

I give How I Live Now five stars.

Here's the trailer:

13 comments:

  1. Great post! this makes me want to go out and see "How I Live Now." Thanks for posting. Lizzie

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  2. Sounds like a heart-string puller. Nice!
    Susan Joyce

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  3. looks like a great movie. will have to put this on my must watch list and thanks for following me. gonna follow you back if gfc will let me.

    http://hotpinkowl02.blogspot.com/2014/03/blog-hop.html come link up

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  4. This sounds like a really good movie and a tug at the hearts!! haha yes, the main stars are really attractive which makes the movie just that much better! I have been looking for a movie for my friends and I to watch during our break...I think I might take a deeper look into this one because it looks very good!
    http://www.mybrokeneggshells.com

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  5. Ugh, this looks so good! I actually love both main actors..

    Great post!

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  6. i've never even heard of this! but it looks so so good and after your raving review i'll definitely be watching! i'll let you know what i think! :))

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  7. Oooh, it sounds fantastic! Thanks, Carm!

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  8. ive been watching it now and ive got 20 minutes left. so far i like it but i dont like the fact of 2 losses that's i've seen so far. :(

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  9. Just finished it and it was good. :D I liked it. thanks for recommending.

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  10. Of course I had to come read your movie review immediately. :-) First, I totally agree with you on the film's music. So, so good. "It's a story about survival, about love, and about hate. It's about loss, and confusion, and how war changes a person. It's about finding the meaning to life." <-- You're so right about all of this, too. Somehow, for me, these things didn't come through as strongly when I read the book as they did when I watched the movie. I think this is one of those stories that might be more powerful on film than it is on the page -- definitely a rarity. Plus, I think the film adaptation (despite its differences to the novel) was incredibly well done. That last scene with Daisy and Eddie... Ugh. My heart. Anyway, thanks for following, and I look forward to reading more of your posts. :-)

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  11. It was nice reading your blog. really you enjoy a lot watching movies. i am also fond of movies. Movies like fill full entertainment in my daily life. I want you to check these good films to watch you will like this.

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