Azura's' Home Planet

This movie is a book to film adaption; that description alone already makes me weary because these type of films tend to either leave too much out or put too much in, which at that point just read the book. I genuinely believe that, without having read the book, there is still something missing. Something felt off while watching this. Grant it, the cinematography, the poetic use of language throughout the film, the setting, etc, were definitely on par. The watching experience itself was a solid 8/10 with some minor editing that I personally would change. In terms of story, however, and exploring the themes of revenge, forgiveness, love, and what makes a family a family, it felt hollow. I’m kind of left feeling disappointed. There were characters who storylines I felt could’ve been expanded upon like Haydee, Abbie, and Andre. I especially felt snubbed by Andre’s storyline because I genuinely wanted to know what he was thinking during the whole ordeal. What was going through his mind, his internal dialogue, etc. This is also me just complaining about an author who is of time period, though I do want to draw attention to it for writers moving forward because I see it even now. WOMEN DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THEIR PERCEIVED ENEMY TO EXPERIENCE EMPATHY OR HUMANIZATION OF THE OTHER PERSON! I see this quite often where women characters will have an enemy who isn’t really their enemy but in order to realize that they must fall in love with them. That was the case for Haydee in this and while I am well aware this is just how the story has unfolded (the book came out in 1846), this line of action has remained with us even in modern times. I simply wish for people who want call themselves writers realize that women are capable of empathy and humanization without the element of romance. 

All in all, movie is great. Not the best I’ve seen, but nonetheless still a great experience!