THE GIVER (2014)

With all the dystopian-themed films out there, The Giver manages to be unique as it doesn't revolve around violence, chase scenes, or extended battles/action sequences.  Instead, this low-key drama - based on the novel by Lois Lowry - tells the story of a perfect world without violence or anger, where people are happy without real emotions, and content without really feeling.  Where each individual has their place ... including young Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), who is tasked with being the new Receiver of Memories, which he will glean from The Giver (Jeff Bridges), only to learn that everything in his world is sanitized and watered down, because with no pain or war or sickness or loss mankind has also lost it's ability to feel.  And to love.  The sham of his world, and of all the memories of the "real" world long list lost, drive him to find a way to break the spell and free mankind from a fate of emotional extinction, in a film that's not perfect but still resonates days after viewing it. (rated PG-13)  B

THE GIVER trailer