Midlife at the Oasis

Where living an amazing life never gets old

“indignation” movie review and giveaway

· · 123 Comments

Indignation

It’s so refreshing to see a smart movie with a thought-provoking story and well-written dialogue.

I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that Indignation is that kind of movie since it’s based on a Philip Roth novel.

Indignation posterThe story takes place in 1951 and revolves around Marcus Messner (Logan Lerman from The Perks of Being a Wallflower), a brilliant and very intense young Jewish boy who’s working at his father’s butcher in New Jersey before heading off to a small college in Ohio on a scholarship that will exempt him from being drafted into the Korean War, where so many of his peers have already sacrificed their lives. His father worries obsessively about him, which is driving him crazy.

Marcus has trouble adjusting to his new life, though. He’s placed with the only other two Jewish students who don’t want to be in the Jewish fraternity, yet he doesn’t get along with them. He falls in love with Olivia Hutton (Sarah Gadon), a non-Jewish girl with a reputation. He gets into trouble with the Dean for criticizing the Chapel requirement, explaining — in a fantastic scene that shows off Lerman’s star potential — that he believes “prayer is preposterous” and that he is “sustained by what’s real.”

All of the performances are excellent, and I couldn’t take my eyes off Gadon who lights up the screen in a gorgeous wardrobe of cardigans and skirts.

It’s no wonder Indignation was a hit at Sundance and that it’s got an 80% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Thanks to Roadside Attractions, I’m happy to be giving away an Indignation prize package. One lucky Midlife at the Oasis subscriber will win a $50 American Express Gift Card to see Indignation in theaters, plus the Official Soundtrack and a copy of the Movie Tie-in Book.

For a chance to win, you must be a subscriber to my weekly newsletter. If you’re not a subscriber, first sign up in the right sidebar of this page. Then, simply leave a comment below.

For a second chance, tweet this:

[Tweet “Win #Indignation movie package with $50 #giftcard #book #soundtrack! #giveaway #loganlerman”]

Contest ends on August 15 at midnight Pacific time. Winners will be notified by return email. Sorry, but prizes can only be sent to a U.S. mailing address.

Indignation is now playing in select cities, and you can buy tickets on Fandango. Like Indignation on Facebook and follow the movie on Twitter. You can also connect with Logan Lerman on Twitter and Facebook, and with Sarah Gadon on Twitter and Instagram.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Leanne says

    Another new movie that I haven’t heard of – I’m not sure if it’ll make it to Australian theatres but I’ll be keeping a look out for it. Shame I’m not eligible to win 🙁

    Reply

  9. Alicia Taylor says

    I haven’t heard of this movie. I hope they play it in my neck of the woods. We are pretty rural, so we don’t get a lot of movies unless they are really mainstream. If not, I’ll definitely be looking for it on streaming channels.

    Reply

  10. Sue says

    I’ve not heard of this movie or the actors but I do love a good storyline. This sounds like a movie I would enjoy however living in Australia, it may or may not come to our theaters, maybe I can stream it.

    Reply

  18. shelly peterson says

    This sounds like a pretty good movie. I would love to read the book and also see the movie.
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

    Reply

  23. Christine Burd says

    I am very interested in seeing this movie since I have read your comments and movie summary . Thank you .

    Reply

  40. Ruby Roof says

    I enjoy movies from this era, especially when family values and backgrounds are mixed up to sweeten the plot. This looks dreamy, warm, and juicy. Thanks for the tip and chance to win. Always such an exciting opportunity to read your reviews and blogs Lois. You keep life fun 😀

    Reply

  45. Debnise Hollander says

    This movie has a great story line. It sounds quite interesting…something I might enjoy seeing!!

    Reply

  50. Beth Hargett says

    This sounds like a movie I’d love to see! I’ll keep my fingers crossed! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply

  56. Brenda Guardado says

    I love coming of age stories and ones based on novels. So this is a match made in heaven. No-brainer to watch.

    Reply

  72. Vanessa says

    Man, does that look good! Great giveaways going on right now on the blog — I’m tweeting them out to all my friends and followers! Fingers crossed.

    Reply

  73. Gaye McGill says

    Thanks for the good review; this sounds like an interesting movie. I’m a subscriber and I tweeted.

    Reply

  80. Monica says

    Thanks so much for the review! I’ve not heard of this movie or either actor but I love movies set in that era. I’m with you – love the cardigans and skirts form the 50’s. I still have some of my Mom’s old stuff and treasure it.

    Reply

  81. Dawn Monroe says

    There are two reasons for me to watch. I like that the entire family can watch and that its set in the fifties.

    Reply

  89. Cathy Chester says

    This sounds incredible and right up my alley. Jewish? Check. New Jersey? Check. College with few Jews? Check. Can’t wait to see it.

    Great review as always, Lois.

    Reply

  93. Sara H. says

    I’ve been seeing the previews of this and would love to win. Tweeted, too! Thanks for all your great contests, Lois! 🙂

    Reply

  94. Helene Cohen Bludman says

    Oooh this sounds like a good one. I’m a fan of Philip Roth although I missed this book. I’ll be looking for this movie for sure.

    Reply

  97. Breanna Pollard says

    This sounds very good! Can’t wait to see it. I also subscribed and tweeted (@bredanielle0602)

    Reply

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