By Suzanne Lahna
Based on the best-selling young-adult dystopian trilogy, “The Hunger Games” pits two children from each of the 12 districts of the nation of Panem against each other in a fight to the death for riches and glory. But at what price?
Much more than a teenage “Battle Royale,” “The Hunger Games” begins the trilogy by Suzanne Collins that tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, one girl whose act of kindness and bravery could change the world.
Begun in the aftermath of a great uprising many years ago, “The Hunger Games” is a televised event created as a reminder to the 12 districts of Panem that peace comes with great sacrifice, as well as the shadow of the Capitol that is in constant control of the entire nation.
Katniss Everdeen goes into this terrifying ordeal believing it to be a very simple matter of kill or be killed; but when Peeta announces his love for her to the world, it becomes so much more than that. It becomes a game of deceit, allies, and monsters. Is Peeta telling the truth, or trying to gain sponsors by any means necessary? It is a question that is entirely left up to the audience to answer.
“The Hunger Games” is a cinematic tour de force, bringing the books to life in ways the audience never imagined. From the exuberant fashions of the Capitol to the wastelands of the outer regions, such as District 12, the cinematography in this film is amazing. Some of the best parts are when there is no sound at all – though with performances by Maroon 5, The Decemberists, and Arcade Fire, the soundtrack is not to be passed up either.
Jennifer Lawrence truly shines in her role as Katiniss Everdeen, the female tribute from District 12. Her acting is so superb it is absolutely heartbreaking. She takes the role and makes it her own, conveying Katniss’s fear, the heartbreak of loss, and all the highs and lows in between.
This adaptation truly does the novel justice, bringing the audience an edge-of-your-seat movie experience that grabs by the heartstrings and never lets go. Don’t be fooled if you never read the books – you don’t need to. But rest assured, when you exit the theater two and a half hours later, teary-eyed and overjoyed all at once, you’ll want to.