I never heard of Hunger Games until a week before The Hunger Games opened in Manila. There was a lot of hype! I learned that the movie was based from a book of the same title by Suzanne Collins. I rarely read fiction so when I entered the movie house to watch The Hunger Games, I had no idea whatsoever what the movie was all about.
Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, was composed of 12 districts that were controlled by Capitol. The Hunger Games was a televised battle created by the Capitol as a brutal reminder of the districts’ failed rebellion. Each year, one boy and one girl (aged 12 to 18) are randomly selected from each of the districts to compete in the annual deathly battle. When Katniss Everdeen’s younger sister was chosen as one of District 12’s representatives, she volunteered to be the tribute in her place. Pitted against 23 other tributes, Katniss relied on her hunting instincts and her training from former winner Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) to emerge as the games’ sole victor.
Hunger Games is part one from the trilogy (Catching Fire being the 2nd and Mockingjay as the 3rd & final one). It was nice that one of my friends that I watched the movie with, had read all three books. I was practically bugging her about the story after.
I must say, I enjoyed the movie very much. This was the first time that I had the urge to read the books after watching a movie adaptation. I immediately got myself copies of all three books by Suzanne Collins and read all of them during the long weekend.
Actually, if you haven’t read the book, you can still understand the story altogether by watching the movie alone. There is no need to understand it further by reading as the movie makers did an excellent job! They made a perfect adaptation. I realized that after reading the book.
One of the reasons why I think the movie was successful was the casting. Jennifer Lawrence was stunning and extremely effective as Katniss Everdeen. All supporting cast were perfect too! They were all in character. It’s not surprising for the viewers to feel affected by each moving scene. I felt that especially when Rue died, I shed so much tears during that scene.
The movie didn’t concentrate on the love factor which was quite refreshing in my honest opinion. I liked that the female lead was strong and doesn’t rely on men to survive. A good welcome change from the usual teeny-boop movies. That’s why I think The Hunger Games was successful not only for the young audiences but also adults (both men and women)! I can’t wait for the next installment of the movie, which is Catching Fire. It bums me out that it will come out November 2013 which is like 1.5 years wait! Too long, too long..
Oh well, may the odds be ever in your favor.
The Hunger Games is a must-watch, don’t miss it!
My Rating for Hunger Games: 5 out of 5 stars
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