The Hunger Games - Review
By Cliff Ponting, 27th Apr 2012 | Follow this author
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Review of the recently released feature film , The Hunger Games .
The Hunger Games
Following the success of the Twilight series another teen science fiction/adventure series comes to the big screen from the literary world in the form of The Hunger Games.
The story focuses on a time in the future where the rulers of the Capitol pick a boy and a girl from each of the 12 Districts to take part in games resulting in the death of the losing party all of which are shown live on television – an enhanced and lethal version of the universally admired reality show format which is so common on television nowadays.
The heroine, Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to represent District 12 in place of here frail younger sister. Katniss is skilled in the use of weapons and street smart and hope that these skills will enable here to survive and return to a Gale ,handsome boy who is pursuing her ( Liam Hemsworth) . Her allies consist of a Haymitch , a drunkard who is a previous winner of the games ( Woody Harrelson) and another boy Peeta ( Josh Hutcherson ) who has worshipped her from afar thus setting up the intriguing triangle between the heroine and her two admirers .
The story really knows how to build suspense, explaining more and more about the battle royal between the kids and involving us in the competitor’s lives and fears as the time for fighting inevitably draws closer. I enjoyed the visual flare of the film’s unique world, showing bright and shiny colours for the ruling class and the wealthy, while all the poor nations wear drab, shabby clothes and their lands are coloured dark grey and blue. The film does a great job pulling you into this world’s society and their customs, rules, programming and mentality like the talk show with Stanley Tucci interviewing each of the children, or Katniss catching the attention of the main sponsors by shooting an arrow right at an apple in the sponsors observation area. One of the most interesting aspects I found was the contrasting views of the games themselves: the ruling class continue to act if being chosen for the games is a privilege and try to “spice it up” for the kids by giving them wealthy hotel rooms, lots to eat, and expensive clothing. Everyone else on the other hand, naturally, views the game as an atrocity that they have to accept despite how much they hate it and wish they could refuse.
A good example of this is when Katniss’s best friend, back at her home town, refuses to watch the games and states “If everyone stops watching, they’re won’t be any games anymore.” I find Katniss ( Jennifer Lawrence) to be an interesting character, she’s very wise and very agile but still prone to not understanding everything and it makes her character more flexible and less indestructible seeming considering she is the main character. For example, her fellow district tribute member Peeta ( Josh Hutcherson) professes he is in love with her during his public interview. At first, Katniss is enraged by Peeta’s announcement but later understands it was to help solidify their safety in the public’s eye, and that even she doesn’t know everything about Peeta and how they can help each other; even if they are destined to kill each other. The film always makes things interesting and every surprise or event always comes with a twist or danger that keeps the character and the audience on the edge of their seats, gripped with intrigue and tension.
I didn’t know what to expect with this film but I was surprised to see that it was an adaption that really worked on almost every level. The film was intense, dark and yet bright and colourful at the same time. I haven’t seen a book series adapted into films this engaging since the Harry Potter film series and this was just the first film entry in the series. This film looks fresh and feels intense and impressive, every one of the cast impressed me and aside from the slightly gaudy costumes for the wealthy adult figures, this is a story everyone can easily sink their teeth into and appreciate its mature and dark subject material.
In summary – this is a really good film , worth watching and cinema goers will definitely look forward to the next installment of “The Hunger Games “ .
Comments
2nd May 2012 (#)
I haven't watched the movie but I am reading the second book now.
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