I’ve never heard of the Hunger Games stories before the announcement of this film’s release, but after seeing it in motion, this is the film that fans of the series as well as newcomers will be talking about for a long time after its initial release. Filled with fantastical visuals and bits of drama in between, The Hunger Games exceeded my expectations and sent me on a quest to know more about the series that I was once oblivious towards.
The premise of the film is an annual event called “The Hunger Games”, where one male and female who are 12-18 years old, are chosen from one of twelve districts that America– or as they call it in the story, Panem– is made up of. This event is the cause of a rebellion that the people of the country staged seventy-four years ago against the Capitol (government). As a result, they take away people’s children who fall into that age group to keep them grounded and exceedingly scared of the power that the Capitol holds over them. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is a sixteen year old girl who lives in District 12 of Panem. She hunts animals for food as well as for trading and selling in case they need any extra supplies. After the death of her father in a mine explosion, she becomes the head of the family since her mother has been shell-shocked ever since and her younger sister Prim is depending on her for her care and support. This year, Prim can also become one of the chosen Tributes to compete in the “Games” but Katniss reassures her that her chances are very slim and she has nothing to worry about. Subsequently, Prim is drawn as one of the Tributes and is in utter shock from these unexpected turn of events. Katniss can’t just let her go, and so she volunteers as Tribute to save Prim’s life. It is then the boys’ turn to be drawn and Peeta Mellark, (Josh Hutcherson) who is the baker’s son is thrust into the “Games” alongside Katniss. Katniss immediately recalls the time Peeta threw her a loaf of bread after he saw her starving in the rain, but is still uncertain inside about the burden she carries of trying to repay him for his kindness. She feels that once someone has done a kind deed for her, it is her obligation to pay them back for it. They then travel to the Capitol to start their training for the competition. Greeted by the many wealthy people of the Capitol as heroes, Peeta thrives in the spotlight while Katniss recedes inside herself from the people that she feels aren’t trustworthy. Upon meeting their mentor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) who is a former winner of the “Games”, Peeta tries to get on his side if he’s to receive some life saving tips and strategies while Katniss displays aggressive behavior and a difficult attitude in regards to their mentor’s demeanor. Bearing an enormous responsibility to her family back home and a defiant mindset towards all those who stage this brutal event, Katniss doesn’t release her grip from any of their throats and is doubtful of Peeta’s intentions when he publicly reveals his feelings for Katniss. The games are about to begin but is Katniss’s determination, skill and slyness alone, enough to keep her alive and ticking in the race for her life? And is she able to trust Peeta despite his smooth-talking nature and the possibility of his love for her being only a gimmick to gain favor with the crowd?
The movie is definitely a fascinating study of society as well as the amount of control the government can impose on its people. The film incites us to think of ourselves as the audience of the many reality television shows that swarm the networks these days and question our principles and purposes of watching people running their lives as well as seeing them in many mortifying situations that we think of as entertainment. The film shows us the extremes these reality shows can include if something like this ever happens, and gives us a wake up call about the many horrible things that we choose not to see people part-take in while blinding ourselves with their glamorous appearances and how grand they seem to be on TV. But what we don’t want to see when we watch reality television, is how normal these people are and that they have just as many problems if not more as regular people do. The average joe has to always concoct a fantasy for themselves to dream of when they want to escape the ordinary lives they lead, but what they don’t realize is that they have to lead their life in a way that makes it enjoyable and worthwhile. Only then will people realize that they are living the dream and their limits are sky-high. Katniss is the one who doesn’t conform to the regularities and finds ways to gain an advantage no matter what situation she’s in, showing us that outside-the-box thinking is truly necessary for survival even if you’re not fighting till the death in a televised battle.
The film also provokes us to challenge the views of the government or governing bodies that cause us to think and act the way they would want. Reminding us of the many riots and protests that take place today even within the student body, it shows us how oppressing the government could get if we don’t speak up and raise a wave in our communities. The ripples that these waves cause will eventually reach national attention and prompt others in the same situation to get up and fight for what they believe in. Katniss’s defiance towards the government and all those who live the easy life, sends out a signal of hope to all those who are continuously fighting to have their voices heard and to reach a decision which should unfold in their favor. If we are to be self-governed and not let the government decide our fate, we need to cause riots and protests towards the events and announcements that violate our way of living and the opportunities that we could lose as a result. If we would let go of everything we care about and our viewpoints, the government would indeed tighten their grip and realize that we are puppets who are willing to be pushed around and be told what to do. So now you see that this film is not a just a vehicle for crazy fans to swoon over and gush about. It is a truly effective piece about people’s rights that serves to empower our beliefs and pass it on to the government that should help keep our principles alive other than greedily hoarding their power and resources for the bourgeoisie population. Disturbing acts aren’t only committed in the arena where “The Hunger Games” take place, but also where you wouldn’t initially look for them.
The acting job done by Jennifer Lawrence is truly wonderful but might also be considered as a continuation of her role in the film that earned her first Oscar nomination. From her many nuances in the film, it definitely shows you how dedicated she is to portraying Katniss to the fullest extent. She shows us many shades of her acting that reflect towards our interpretation of Katniss, and it’s anything from a little smile to the feeling of sheer agony that prove her to be a breakthrough actress in the field of the many rising starlets that make up the industry. Josh Hutcherson also did a solid job capturing the essence of Peeta and luridly putting across his rendition of a supporting character that gives Katniss any glimpses of hope while trying to survive in the darkest of moments. Of course he will be branded as a heart-throb the moment the girls see him, but that’s also a part of spawning interest in the already ignited flame that is the franchise. His eyes are kind and it’s ultimately through them that he reveals Peeta’s true nature even if Katniss is at a loss for words while trying to figure him out. Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks get to show their pompous, self-satisfied inner egos while portraying the characters that come from the wealthy population of the Capitol. From the garish hair and squeaky voices to the ridiculously voluminous outfits and large white teeth, both Tucci and Banks really set the bar high for the most pretentious characters in the series that ultimately humors the shallowness of the rich and powerful.
Overall, it’s a film that gets younger viewers involved in the much more mature themes of power and independence at a young age as well as letting them choose who to root for on the basis of those who are fighting to bend the rules they are given. It’s an important step in cinema not only because of the hype surrounding it, but also the kind of messages you can get across to the masses if you are basing it on an established and highly successful piece of writing. View at your own risk and may the odds be ever in your favor.
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