The Hunger Games
Robert Socha reviews the film adaptation of the dystopian thriller, 'The Hunger Games'
The Hunger Games is a dystopian fantasy thriller released in 2012 based on the 2008 bestseller by Suzanne Collins, who co-wrote the screenplay along with Gary Ross, the director of the movie. The movie mocks reality TV, presenting a show where 24 lottery selected tributes or volunteers fight to death annually in an arena of different settings per game.
The Games are set in the totalitarian state of North America called Panem, which is split into 12 districts, filled with inequality and dire conditions - and the Capitol, filled with people thriving in luxury and prosperity. The sheer injustice of the conditions of the districts in stark contrast to the wealthy, comfortable Capitol - including things like major food shortages - inspired a people’s uprising, which was quickly ended by the government.
As punishment for their rebellion, and to remind the districts the price of what they’d done, each district was made to annually provide 2 tributes - often comparable to sacrifices - one male and one female, to entertain the upper class in the annual Hunger Games; where they are faced with fighting each other, with elements such as weaponry and on the rare occasion, food being provided.
The film shows the 74th annual games, and in detail the two tributes selected from district 12: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), who volunteered herself in favour of her sister, who was originally selected to be part of the games; and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), who was randomly selected as the male tribute and who we later learn had a crush on Katniss. Most of the tributes are at first terrified of their near certain death, but they are later comforted (save for Katniss and Peeta) when they reach the Capitol, and learn to love the luxury food, top-notch athletic training, and the fame: they become sacrifices in the name of entertainment - fooled into thinking they’re celebrities.
The movie has a good storyline filled with emotional scenes, fear and tension, with scenes that make the audience angry at the government of the totalitarian state and make them realise that the reality TV show of the Hunger Games is clearly scripted. The ending is full of twists and turns, with the whole film creating an emotional rollercoaster in the audience, making us constantly anxious at what comes next. The use of music and SFX in the movie also helps support this. It keeps the audience aware of what’s happening in the movie and really creates anxiety and curiosity amongst the audience.
There aren't very many negatives to the film, but sometimes the flashbacks seemed quite out of place and unnecessary. It was at times not very obvious whether I was watching yet another repetitive flashback or if I was progressing further into the movie. It's important to note that the movie is incredibly accurate to the book, and should be credited for that.
The acting in the Hunger Games was extremely good, with the actors playing their roles almost perfectly. One thing I would criticise is that President Snow (played by Donald Sutherland) seemed a bit too nice of a person for his role as the leader of a totalitarian government that forces 24 young individuals to fight to the death every year in the name of entertainment.
In the scene where the tributes arrive in the Capitol you can easily see the differences in character between Peeta, who seems aware that he must adhere to the fame and attention in order to secure public approval, and Katniss, who appears quite nervous and uncomfortable as she seems to realise that the fame will be short-lived and temporary. Peeta seems to know what he’s doing more than Katniss as he gets the two to hold hands and raise them in the air, as a way to attract sponsors, this also begs the question: Is Peeta only playing to the cameras when he admits his feelings for Katniss, to ensure his survival?
Overall, good film: solid four and a half stars. Truly an emotional ride for the audience, and with plenty of unanswered questions, such as how the government will react to being mocked by the district 12 tributes usurping Capitol tradition, or whether Katniss will return to her friend Gale or stick with Peeta, it’s nearly certain you’ll want to see what comes next.
Robert Socha, Year 9
The Hunger Games is a dystopian fantasy thriller released in 2012 based on the 2008 bestseller by Suzanne Collins, who co-wrote the screenplay along with Gary Ross, the director of the movie. The movie mocks reality TV, presenting a show where 24 lottery selected tributes or volunteers fight to death annually in an arena of different settings per game.
The Games are set in the totalitarian state of North America called Panem, which is split into 12 districts, filled with inequality and dire conditions - and the Capitol, filled with people thriving in luxury and prosperity. The sheer injustice of the conditions of the districts in stark contrast to the wealthy, comfortable Capitol - including things like major food shortages - inspired a people’s uprising, which was quickly ended by the government.
As punishment for their rebellion, and to remind the districts the price of what they’d done, each district was made to annually provide 2 tributes - often comparable to sacrifices - one male and one female, to entertain the upper class in the annual Hunger Games; where they are faced with fighting each other, with elements such as weaponry and on the rare occasion, food being provided.
The film shows the 74th annual games, and in detail the two tributes selected from district 12: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), who volunteered herself in favour of her sister, who was originally selected to be part of the games; and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), who was randomly selected as the male tribute and who we later learn had a crush on Katniss. Most of the tributes are at first terrified of their near certain death, but they are later comforted (save for Katniss and Peeta) when they reach the Capitol, and learn to love the luxury food, top-notch athletic training, and the fame: they become sacrifices in the name of entertainment - fooled into thinking they’re celebrities.
The movie has a good storyline filled with emotional scenes, fear and tension, with scenes that make the audience angry at the government of the totalitarian state and make them realise that the reality TV show of the Hunger Games is clearly scripted. The ending is full of twists and turns, with the whole film creating an emotional rollercoaster in the audience, making us constantly anxious at what comes next. The use of music and SFX in the movie also helps support this. It keeps the audience aware of what’s happening in the movie and really creates anxiety and curiosity amongst the audience.
There aren't very many negatives to the film, but sometimes the flashbacks seemed quite out of place and unnecessary. It was at times not very obvious whether I was watching yet another repetitive flashback or if I was progressing further into the movie. It's important to note that the movie is incredibly accurate to the book, and should be credited for that.
The acting in the Hunger Games was extremely good, with the actors playing their roles almost perfectly. One thing I would criticise is that President Snow (played by Donald Sutherland) seemed a bit too nice of a person for his role as the leader of a totalitarian government that forces 24 young individuals to fight to the death every year in the name of entertainment.
In the scene where the tributes arrive in the Capitol you can easily see the differences in character between Peeta, who seems aware that he must adhere to the fame and attention in order to secure public approval, and Katniss, who appears quite nervous and uncomfortable as she seems to realise that the fame will be short-lived and temporary. Peeta seems to know what he’s doing more than Katniss as he gets the two to hold hands and raise them in the air, as a way to attract sponsors, this also begs the question: Is Peeta only playing to the cameras when he admits his feelings for Katniss, to ensure his survival?
Overall, good film: solid four and a half stars. Truly an emotional ride for the audience, and with plenty of unanswered questions, such as how the government will react to being mocked by the district 12 tributes usurping Capitol tradition, or whether Katniss will return to her friend Gale or stick with Peeta, it’s nearly certain you’ll want to see what comes next.
Robert Socha, Year 9