Based on the classic science fiction book of the same name, the cinematic adaptation of Ender’s Game has finally arrived after a long wait. Written by Orson Scott Card (OSC) in 1985, the novel, which explored the moralities of armed conflict, was a galaxy ahead of its peers, claiming two prestigious literary prizes: the 1985 Nebula Award and the 1986 Hugo Award. The book not only won critical accolades but the hearts of millions of geeks as well as a few soldiers; due to its interpretation of military science, the book also landed on the professional reading list of the United States Marine Corps.

If you are curious as to why Ender’s Game took nearly 30 years to get off the cinematic launching pad, it is because OSC took this time to iron out creative differences with potential film-makers. The result of this rather long wait, and careful creative control from OSC, is an endearing film that is impressive in its faithfulness to its source material. Credit here must also go to screenwriter Gavin Hood who also directed the film.

Also impressive is the film’s 16-year-old star Asa Butterfield (Hugo), who is excellent in the titular role of the complicated military prodigy, Andrew “Ender” Wiggin.

The story begins during a period of consolidation after a recently concluded time of conflict. We learn that in 2086, Earth’s military forces warded off an attack on their planet by an alien race known as the Formics. Against the odds, this insect-like alien species was successfully defeated after a suicidal maneuver by Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), who since then disappeared mysteriously from the public eye.

Now, the forces of Earth, aiming for a preemptive attack against the Formics, are training children as their new line of soldiers. Here, young potential heroes are sent to the psychologically challenging military academy known as Battle School. They remain completely isolated from the outside world here and are eventually trained to function in remotely controlled space fleets powerful enough to eviscerate entire planets.

Orson Scott Card’s narrative from 1985 seems visionary, considering that the remote-controlled nature of the command ships in Ender’s Game is reminiscent of the drones that have become fashionable today. Moreover, the idea that teenagers rather than adults are more suitable to use such technology seems logical in today’s age as well. Look no further than the fast-paced, real-time strategy PC video game StarCraft, where the big money tournament teams all consist of teenagers who have greater physical and mental reflexes than adults.

In Ender’s Game, we learn that the protagonist is considered by the military brass to be Earth’s new beacon of hope, and is closely monitored by the hardened Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) who functions as a father figure. Balancing Graff’s tough love is Major Gwen Anderson (Viola Davis), who focuses on cementing the cracks forming on the pressurised young soldiers.

Featuring strong characterisation, the narrative in Ender’s Game is most compelling when it examines the psychological impact of its world’s precarious situation, and the sometimes hotheaded Ender is easily the most interesting character in the film. As a boy of slight build, Ender is often violently bullied by a jealous older brother, as well as envious seniors in the military academy who are unhappy with his increasing victories in the army tournaments.

Due to a troubled childhood, Ender also has difficulty responding to authority, though continues to fascinate Colonel Graff with his ability to think strategically out-of-the-box. This tactical thinking also plays into his physical conflicts; when Ender is attacked by a group of bullies, he continues to fight back until their leader is crippled, so as to send a message and ward off future attacks.

He also plays the game by his own rules. When he is unexpectedly given command of his own team in the military tournaments, as a leader he wins the hearts of his subordinates by showing a level of empathy unexpected from a commander.

The strong performances in Ender’s Game back engaging storytelling. The teenage cast is particularly good, and is given fine support by industry stalwarts Ben Kingsley and Harrison Ford. The former is magnetic as a mysterious hero of Maori decent who carries dozens of tribal tattoos on his face. In regards to the latter, it is good to see the charming Star Wars veteran back in a space setting.

Although Ender’s Game is a faithful adaptation, the narrative isn’t perfect, lacking some of the book’s depth on war strategy. And aside from the well-executed ending, the film also lacks some of the poignancy of the book.

Director Gavin Hood also disappoints when it comes to special effects. Although the action sequences are engaging when the child soldiers take center stage, the film lacks impact during the unimpressive CGI space battles. Moreover, in the age of The Hunger Games, the film also carries an air of familiarity, perhaps because it was beaten to the silver screen by the other popular works of fiction it inspired.

Where Ender’s Game stands apart from the pretenders is the raw emotion of its story telling and fantastic characterisation of the titular character, which makes it worth a play.