Beware Spoilers
I wasn't aware of the books on which this film is based, so came to it unaware of the themes in the film, only the basic ideas. I am very much in two minds about the film, it is overall a good film, exciting, lots of threat and a lot of ideas which do make you think. I was also concerned at some of the violence in the film, mostly because that violence is carried out by and towards 12 - 18 year olds and that the film itself is largely aimed at that age group (as were the books). I was at one point almost going to leave the cinema as I was quite concerned as to the effect the film may have on Jamie (and yes he did see TWIB but the differences, to me, where the realism of the violence). So my first conclusion is this film is really not suitable for anyone under 12/13 and then only with extreme caution and much parental guidance.
That said the film is a great story in many ways and for me echoed a world created by Orwell in 1984. A post apocalyptic world, a Capitol which is wealthy and indulgent for those who live there, surrounded by 12 Districts where there are coal mines, industry etc. Those Districts formed the basis of a revolt and as a penance for that they must each year send one boy and one girl aged between 12 and 18 to fight for survival in The Hunger Games. On hearing her younger sister's name drawn out Katniss Everdeen (played exceedingly well by Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers as tribute and heads off to the Capitol with Peeta Mellark as the representatives of District 12.
We see the tributes being prepared for their ordeal and we see the ordeal and that is what it is - the 24 competitors enter an arena - a wood in these games and only 1, the winner, will come out alive. Some of the Districts train their tributes to a brutal and vicious standard and the start of the games themselves turns into a bloodbath with 12 competitors dying at the start. Peeta's loyalty is quickly called into question when he joins in with the alpha group, but we are left wondering over his true loyalty as we see part of his backstory with Katniss and their 'relationship' in District 12.
There are several themes which run through the film which bring to mind issues of today - such as how far do you go for entertainment - are The Hunger Games just the logical end conclusion of today's obsession with reality TV? An interesting thought. The standard of sci-fi/fantasy of the outcomes of a post holocaust society or perhaps the effects of a crumbling financial system in the western world all struck a chord with me when I was watching it.
The characterisation is good and Katniss and Peeta are both likable as is H , Woody Harrelson's character and Cinna, a stylist/PR for Katniss and Peeta, played by a divinely gorgeous Lenny Kravitz. Donald Sutherland looms large as the President. Overall a good film, raising some interesting talking points, but I would urge anyone to think carefully before taking under 12's to this one.
Ciao
Sue
Reading challenge 4/20 - currently reading on Kindle A Town Like Alice by Neville Shute and in print Drop Dead Beautiful by Jackie Collins
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