The Twilight Saga: Twilight (The Twilight Saga 1)

Twilight

By Stephenie Meyer

  Now, we’re really going to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Twilight. In my memory, Twilight might be one of the most successful book adaption movies after Harry Potter, Hobbit. I first read it when I was in 5th grade because I was extremely interested why Twilight was so popular at that time. And after that, I re-read it for a few time…but I must admit, I don’t particularly love the Twilight Saga series, just I haven’t read so extensively when I was in elementary school, and I only own about three or four shelves of books. (Unlike recently…my book collection has grown broadly…and since I have to fight with my father for the book shelves…every layer of my book shelves have two rows of books. And why do I have to fight for the book shelves? Because my father always put stuff like tea cups on book shelves…come on! That’s called “BOOK SHELF” it’s supposed to place books! Ahhhh! ) enough of my book shelves, let me tell you why Twilight can be such a success for so long, and why it receive so many critical words at the same time. 

  About three things I was absolutely positive.

First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him—and I didn't know how dominant that part might be—that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

  In the first book of the Twilight Saga, internationally bestselling author Stephenie Meyer introduces Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, a pair of star-crossed lovers whose forbidden relationship ripens against the backdrop of small-town suspicion and a mysterious coven of vampires. This is a love story with bite.

  Bella’s parents divorced when she was young, and since her mother was going to married again, Bella decided to move to her father’s house in order to give some place for the new couple. Bella hated the little town, Forks, where rain never stopped and sun never came out from the cloud. Yes…and the like every love story… love at first sight. (I believe it count?) Bella felt attracted by Edward, the most handsome boy in Forks, who belonged to a weird family. And Edward fell in love too…really? If the story line was like that…no one will ever read it. The part that drowns me into it was vampire. Vampires were usually vicious, terrifying during…ten years ago? (I think Vampire Diaries, Vampire Academy, House of Night…those kind of beloved vampire appeared after Twilight, and of course… a great success.) I especially hated vampire when I was young, in my youth memory, vampires were like the vampire duck in Sesame Street. (That’s really my childhood nightmare! I used to have a set of English program by Sesame Street, and the characters on it were so scary! I had to make every effort to put stickers on it to cover the hideous cartoon characters! I only started to like Elmo and Cookie Monster because their childhood forms…as for grown up…please stay away from me.) But Twilight created a whole different image of vampires: they are strong and beautiful in every way, immortal and no need to sleep. Nonetheless, they don’t afraid of garlic. (Haha…that’s quite different from the original vampire, expect for the immortal part.) I love it for that part: a forbidden romance, with mortal and immortal. Did anyone writ forbidden love stories like this before? I’m not sure, but I know after Twilight, there are a lot of books like this. Books that WoW us usually because of those innovative stories, including Harry Potter, Hobbit (Although I haven’t read it nor have I watch the movie.), Percy Jackson or Hunger Game. Twilight has no exception. With a romantic love story, I personally regard it as the reason why Twilight can make such a big hit. But, when I look back the time I felt extremely indulged in the books, I felt nothing. It’s still entertaining and the fantasy world was still great. But the characters were horrible. Do you believe me? My favorite characters in Twilight were never Bella, Edward. They’re insane! Who will give up everything just for love? (When I mean everything, not because they’re willing to lose their lives, but they lose themselves.) They gave up everything just to love…guys, this is 21st century…no one will behave like that. Besides, what we know about Bella’s love is “Edward is so wonderful!” “He’s so great” blablabla. So what? I know you have a perfect boyfriend! But then? Can we have more inner things than appearances? 

  Despite for the “love story” that makes me mad about Twilight, I think it’s still a good book: a brand new image of vampires, a romantic relationship. But put this in mind: it’s not as wonderful as those fandoms said, it’s a bit exaggerated. Sometime, when book was published after years and with so many similar categories, it won’t seem as attractive as before, especially for those who don’t particularly enjoy romance.  

  Last things, I just bought the English copy of Twilight recently: The 10th anniversary Twilight plus Life and Death. I’ve seen the original copy of Twilight and the white edition of it, but I was so happy that I didn’t buy it until now. The 10th anniversary edition is amazing! (And extremely thick…with an extra as much as Twilight.) So if you’re thinking of buying Twilight for the first time, make sure you get the new edition, and for those who already have one, it’s worthy of buying again. Trust me…the book was enormous and beautiful.

Movie

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson

  Even though the book isn’t as wonderful as it might be, but it’s needless to say that Stephenie Meyer’s movies always adapt well. Like I said in The Host, Stephenie participated in the process, and so did she in Twilight. We can even see her appear in the movie! (In a scene in the restaurant, Stepenie ordered a coffee.) So never worry about the twisted plots, they’re just like books! Twilight is one of my favorite movies among all the five movies, and it’s the only movie I thought Edward as handsome. The scene is beautiful and I believe all the mist in the mountain and those special effects really bring the movie to another level. Especially the part that Edward and Bella met in the forest to reveal the true identity of Edward. The scene that they lay on the glass just so romantic. (With the music~ I always believe that good background music makes movie better, sometime you can’t feel the emotion just by the actors’ play, but with music, you can definitely put yourselves in it.) I think the “diamond” effect is really great! It looks lovely…even it’s on a human. 

  As for actors…well, let’s say they’re not as good as the movie itself. Every time I watch Twilight movie I find myself fall in love with the other characters instead of the leading role. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are just…not so talented actors? I like Alice, Victoria, and even Jessica…but Bella in the movie just…a love-sicked girl. And I don’t like Kristen Stewart as Bella…even though she seems really met the characters personality. Oh! And something that fans might be excited about…Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson really dated before! Just…not the ending of Bella and Edward. This is a realistic world. Mwhahaha! (Why are you laughing?)

  People who like Twilight will love the movie, it’s well adapted and beautiful, just what a romantic movie should be. As for the actors…let’s say the other characters are likable… 

P.S. If you’re fan Edward or Bella…hmm…don’t read the review…or I afraid…