Never Let Her Go

Never Let Her Go

If I had known this was Science Fiction I would never have gone to this film. I cannot appreciate or enjoy Science fiction. This film is different from most in this genre because it goes back to the recent past.

The book was written by Kazuo Ishiguro and adapted for film by his friend Mark Romanek.

The story was very compelling. It did raise issues that made me think and philosophize about life. The actors were well suited for their roles.

At the beginning of the film we meet Kathy H. We know that she is involved with some medical procedure but it is not made very clear.

The film then takes us back to the 1970’s to a fashionable private English boarding school. We learn that the students fear leaving the grounds but don’t really understand the reasons. The teachers are very firm, prim and proper. At that time Kathy H is a young student. She is very fond of Tommy, a young boy who is having social problems. He is bullied and the other boys make fun of him. He doesn’t seem to fit in. Kathy is warm and kind and the two become good friends.

As they get a little older Ruth becomes friends with Kathy and Tommy. In fact she becomes Tommy’s girlfriend and Kathy has to pretend that this relationship is acceptable as she values Tommy and Ruth as friends.

A lady arrives at the school and wants to take art work created by the students back to her gallery. We know nothing more about this action until near the end of the film. At that time we learn the purpose of collecting the art. It is all very clever.

One of the teachers ‘spills the beans’ and tells the students that they are ‘carers’ and ‘donors’ and their lives are going to be of value to another person. The teacher says.” We know that you will have your life set out for you. You were created to give your vital organs away.” That teacher was fired and never seen again by the students. Obviously the students were dumbfounded. I also was shocked and knew that all the following scenes were going to take me to a place that was uncomfortable.

In 1985 the three companions are moved to the cottages as the next step of the process. They are now more mature and old enough to understand what is ahead.

Ruth was told that if two people truly loved ach other they could get a deferment.

There are many issues to consider in the film. Ruth was in love with Tommy. The audience is always given the feeling that Tommy really cares for Kathy. If that is the case he wouldn’t be able to prove that it was true love.

As the film progresses Ruth and Tommy are getting more ill as the procedures take effect. Thank goodness we do not see what is happening medically. One scene did show a transfer of organs but it was brief and not to difficult to watch.

The film takes some twists and turns at the end. It was also very emotional. It does present some issues for thought. What is true love? What is the meaning of life? Should one go along with an expected path set out for us?