Under the Same Star (Film)

Under the Same Star (The Fault in Our Stars) is a 2014 drama and romance film directed by Josh Boone and adapted from the novel of the same name by John Green. The film portrays the poignant story of two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group, fall in love, and embark on a meaningful journey together, offering a dramatic portrayal of life’s fragility and the healing power of love. ^【1】

Plot

The film centers on 16-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster, who has been battling thyroid cancer for three years and requires a constant oxygen tank due to the disease’s spread to her lungs. At her mother’s encouragement, she joins a cancer support group. ^【2】There she meets Augustus "Gus" Waters, a young man who has lost one leg to osteosarcoma but appears to be in remission. The two quickly form a deep bond through their sharp intellects, detached attitudes toward conventional life, and shared fascination with Peter Van Houten’s novel An Imperial Affliction.^【3】

Story Development

Hazel and Gus’s connection deepens as they read each other’s favorite books. Hazel’s greatest wish is to meet the author of her beloved but unfinished novel, Peter Van Houten, in Amsterdam and learn the book’s ending. With the help of a foundation, Gus arranges tickets for the trip, and the two, accompanied by Hazel’s mother Frannie, travel to the Netherlands. Though they experience romantic moments during their stay, they are deeply disappointed to discover that the author they admired is crude and alcoholic. During this journey, Gus confesses to Hazel that his cancer has returned and spread throughout his body. Upon returning to Indianapolis, Gus’s health rapidly declines. Before his death, he organizes his own "pre-funeral" to hear farewell speeches from Hazel and his friend Isaac. After Gus’s passing, Hazel finds solace in reading the final letter he left her, and the story concludes with Hazel gazing at the stars, remembering Gus.^【4】

Ansel Elgort as Augustus and Shailene Woodley as Hazel (IMDb)

Production

The film was directed by Josh Boone and adapted from John Green’s best-selling novel by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. It was produced as a collaboration between Fox 2000 Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment, and TSG Entertainment. Although the story is set in Indianapolis, much of the filming took place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The film intertwines the themes of "love" and "death," illustrating how hope can endure despite life’s tragic dimensions. ^【5】The film received a total of 23 awards and was nominated 18 times. ^【6】

Cast

• Shailene Woodley (Hazel Grace Lancaster): The intelligent and sarcastic protagonist living with lung cancer.
• Ansel Elgort (Augustus "Gus" Waters): A cheerful young man in love with Hazel who lost a leg to cancer.
• Nat Wolff (Isaac): Gus’s closest friend; a young man who lost his sight due to cancer.
• Laura Dern (Frannie Lancaster): Hazel’s selfless mother who sacrifices everything for her daughter’s well-being.
• Sam Trammell (Michael Lancaster): Hazel’s emotionally supportive father.
• Willem Dafoe (Peter Van Houten): The reclusive, irritable author Hazel and Gus visit in Amsterdam.
• Lotte Verbeek (Lidewij Vliegenthart): Van Houten’s assistant who helps the teenagers during their visit to Amsterdam.
• Mike Birbiglia (Patrick): Leader of the cancer support group. ^【7】