Reflections on the Movie Adaptation of Ender's Game: A Seoer's Perspective

I am not sure what Orson Scott Card thinks about the movie adaptation of Ender's Game. However, my personal take is that the film does not do justice to the masterfully told book. The movie lacks depth and emotion in several key areas, especially in showcasing Ender's growth and experiences away from his family. Ender is sent to a military boarding school that offers him exciting and memorable experiences, which are largely lost in the adaptation.

Optimistic for Future Adaptations

I try to think of the movie as little as possible, but I hope that someday, a talented filmmaker will have the courage to bring the story to life accurately, with Ender still in pre-puberty rather than using a well-known actor who is in his middle teens and tall. This way, the audience can fully appreciate Ender's innocence and vulnerability.

Analysis of the Film Adaptation

The movie adaptation of Ender's Game was okay, but with significant changes necessary to cater to the screen format. However, the filmmakers made some questionable decisions. One major issue was the character of Bonzo. The actor playing Bonzo was shorter than Ender, and even shorter than Petra, which did not seem right at all, especially in certain scenes that emphasized this discrepancy.

Regarding the editing of the battles, the movie could have improved with better editing techniques. Instead of needing more filming, a more strategic editing of small snippets interspersed with views of the leaderboard showing Ender's success would have enhanced the storytelling. The movie was also too short at 1:54, including about 9 minutes for credits. If the movie had included another 6-10 minutes, it would have provided a more complete and satisfying viewing experience.

The ending of the movie was also problematic. It ended with Ender going off by himself without his sister, a choice that felt abrupt and incomplete. A better ending would have been moving towards a sequel. I believe that if Orson Scott Card were satisfied with the movie, he would have openly shared his approval. However, his silence suggests that he likely found the adaptation disappointing.

Personal Experience and Recommendation

I have only seen the film once, while I have read the book many times. The reason for this is clear: the book, with its intricate plot and deep emotional layers, cannot be fully captured in a movie adaptation. While the film is enjoyable on its own and I would recommend it, it lacks the depth and nuance present in the original work. It missed a lot of the mind games played on Ender, but as a stand-alone film, it still provides a compelling and engaging experience.

Conclusion

Movie adaptations are inherently limited by the medium, but the adaptation of Ender's Game could have been better with a more accurate portrayal of the characters and a better understanding of the story's nuances. As a standalone film, it is enjoyable, but for a true fan of Orson Scott Card, nothing can replace the experience of reading the original book.