Ender's Game

An adaptation of a readers, awards and time tested prolog to one of the best literary sci-fi’s ever (yes, I mean “Speaker for the Dead"). The book works with purely adult, timeless themes seen through the eyes of children for greater chilling effect (a sort of “Lord of the Flies" in space) and, to the credit of the filmmakers, the movie tries to do the same. The problem is that it merely tries. However, it is prevented from succeeding because the characters are too pruned down and consequently one-dimensional, so we can’t get far enough into Ender’s skin. Plus, a clash of two approaches cries out from the entire movie; a faithful, coolly detached, toned down adaptation “about something" and audience-pleasing, multi-colored, glittering scenes aimed at tickling your insides. And this just doesn’t work together. (30.10.2013)

Even as someone who hasn’t read the book, I feel the filmmakers had to leave a lot out and use many plot shortcuts, because the themes and ideas that they tap (and also leave untapped) are really a lot for those 115 minutes. The good thing, though, is that what remained makes pretty good sense, while at the same time it’s not hard to imagine those things that didn’t make the cut. After the awful Wolverine, I wasn’t expecting much from Gavin Hood, but he turned out to be a pleasant surprise and delivered one of the purest sci-fi movies of the year. With its detachment and lack of user-friendliness, Ender’s Game is not likely to make many fans among the average cinemagoers, but those who prefer something like Starship Troopers or Lord of the Flies over another happy blockbuster about a young, brave hero who saves the world from an extraterrestrial invasion shouldn’t miss it. A welcome compensation for the dodgy Elysium. (02.11.2013)

I wanted it, but I didn't believe. I was waiting for the soft version of Carda for teenagers, but Hood pleasantly surprised me. He preserved all the main thematic elements of the original, just compressed it, trimmed it and significantly simplified it (most of the earth storyline is missing and a number of episodes from the cadet storyline are missing). For me, the film was lacking a bit of the more precise rebirth of the main character, but Butterfield was able to capture Ender's inner dilemma well, even in a small area. The cool, mechanical direction sometimes perfectly preserves the atmosphere of the original, and despite the other half losing a bit of tempo (also due to the fact that Ender's relationship with his sister / brother is more of a purposeful explanatory tool than a functional part of the narrative), the conclusion is just as uncomfortable and hard as it should be. The only unfortunate adaptation decision can be considered the compression of the time frame. After all, the point stands out better when it is spread out over a horizon of years, not days (the film, of course, chooses a more dramatic and tight framework, which does not necessarily help the urgency of the message). The twisted visual aspect is more so a bonus, thanks to which the film could not start working. The interplay between the characters (Ford's great return!) and the disturbing emotional withdrawal are essential. There is no need to fall in love with Ender and his world - one should either respect him or hate him, in full accordance with the strictly rational original. Thanks to this, Ender's Game is more of a film endemic. I have no idea where the film will actually be spread outside the territory of lovers of old school sci-fi (it has more ideas than fun and gloss). This is a full-blooded, dark and unusually ambitious sci-fi, which fails to penetrate the minds of the genius warlord / assassin as deeply as in the book, but at least it stands as an attractive addition to it. This is also because it is easy to write into it the missing and indicated context. Hood simply remained exceptionally reverent... and uniqueness is rewarded by loneliness, even Ender knows this well... [75%] (30.10.2013)

I had been avoiding Ender's Game for years, knowing it was a pure young adult film. I finally gave it a chance, and I wasn't far off in my assumption. It is young adult, but it's also so intense at times that even I found some moments hard to watch. The strength of the story lies in how the young protagonists are treated as adults. The supposed game blurs with reality, all wrapped in the defense of Earth against an impending alien attack. I struggled to reconcile the youthful faces with their mature dialogue. But the finale completely floored me and ultimately made me add that fourth star. This film made me realize when boys become men, and it's not a pleasant realization. (30.01.2023)

Engaging and fresh sci-fi. At first glance, Ender's Game seems like it will be a typical blockbuster for kids, but it's a very smart movie to go to the cinema at 13, so I know nothing of it. Asa Butterfield is probably the best actor of his generation and I hope he wins some Oscars one day because he does a decent job here. The visual effects are decent, the acting is wonderful, the final twist is solid and the entertainment is guaranteed throughout. I can't complain about anything. 80%. (25.01.2014)