I was fortunate enough to have read the book before seeing the movie. I really enjoyed having the insight and background beforehand. I think that really adds to the enjoyment for some filler. However, I don't believe it's necessary to have read the book in order to enjoy the movie.
It was handled delicately and brilliantly. Scripted and acted in a way that compliments the ideas of the story, leaving us a bit more grateful and hopeful. Enjoy.
The movie tells an engaging story but the acting appears half-hearted. The novel is certainly more engrossing but it is fun to see how the movie makers tried to dramatize it.