So I know its been out for a while now but people are still discussing Fifty Shades of Grey and we all have different views on it. I've heard people dislike it and I've heard some that love it. I've also heard people judge it without seeing it based on the books, and even some that haven't read the books trying to judge it.
I have read all three books and personally I enjoyed them. Obviously this genre isn't for everyone and there were moments that I found it slightly cringey but finished the books anyway. When I heard they were releasing a film I was honestly excited but heard so many negative things about it that I put it off for so long as I felt I was being judged for being one of the people that liked it. I waited a long time and listened to multiple peoples thoughts before finally giving in and watching the film not that long ago.
Obviously when books get adapted into films there are parts that get left out and sometimes this can affect the story greatly, but I'll be honest I didn't notice a difference between the story within the book and the film.
*Spoilers* - If you haven't read the books or watched the film there will be some spoilers mentioned.
I can understand peoples worries that the film may be based on an abusive relationship and to some seems a bit 'rapey'. I can see why they say this, but I also see that this isn't the case at all. When Christian Grey is wanting to start his relationship with Anastasia Steele he explains to her that he doesn't do love and normal relationships, but she wants to keep seeing him anyway. He warns her and explains everything to her clearly. Obviously it is strange to write up a contract for your relationship but he does so in order for her to clearly understand what he is wanting so that she is able to leave and back out of anything is she wishes to. He willingly takes out some things that she feels more uncomfortable with and she goes through with joining him in his dominant/submissive relationship.
Right from the start, Anastasia knows what she is getting herself into. On multiple occasions Christian would ask her if she was sure and if she was okay, so its not as if he really didn't care. He really did want to make sure that she was okay with what was happening between them. During sexual scenes in which Christian would take Ana to his 'playroom', we would see him ask her if she was sure and give her safe words and allows her to stop things whenever she wishes to.
As much as people say that this is an abusive relationship and that he is forcing her to do things and controlling her, in my opinion he is not. He clearly goes through everything with her multiple times and allows her to stop him any time. She is not powerless and we see moments throughout the film that she has her say and tells Christian how she feels. No matter what she still goes back to him and is never forced to. She gives her consent and agrees to using safe words and stopping him when need be.
I can understand others thoughts and views on this subject as it is obviously not the normal type of relationship that most people get into, so they have their concerns about what this is portraying and what it could cause viewers to think. But in the end this is fiction. Yes okay there may be some people that choose to have this form of relationship but this film is based upon Ana giving her consent to Christian. He doesn't rape her at all or beat her. Yes there are times Ana doesn't understand and is unsure, but as I said, Christian explains to her and makes sure that she understands what she is getting in to when agreeing to this. Their relationship is consensual.
With that said, people are allowed their own thoughts and opinions, and they are simply mine and what I noticed when reading the books and watching the first film.
In terms of whether or not I thought the film was good, I did. Jamie Dornan played Christian Grey just as I thought he would be from the books, however I was slightly unsure of Dakota Johnson for Anastasia Steele but she didn't do terribly. There were times where she fit with how Ana was described in the novel by E.L James. I loved the soundtrack, specifically Ellie Goulding and The Weeknd.
I have read various articles on the film and with the director Sam Taylor-Johnson reportedly leaving and not returning for the sequel Fifty Shades Darker I am interested in seeing what this will bring to Ana and Christians relationship, and how it will follow the books.
I'm interested to hear others views, doesn't matter whether you agree or think something completely different, that's what's great about films, everyone reads into the differently. Let me know your thoughts.
For now I'll leave you to enjoy your days and until next time, thanks for reading :) x
