Hunger Games (2012)

Director: Gary Ross
Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woddy Harrelson, Donald Sutherland


I must confess that was quite unsure what to expect. I had only very scant knowledge of the story and had not read the novels. I went almost entirely on seeing the trailer and it is refreshing that this film was not too hyped up as for example the newly released massive turkey flop of "John Carter". I was pleasantly surprised and left the cinema very satisfied after watching this accomplished and at points philosophical piece of cinema. It is the kind of film that one can watch on several layers and will appeal to both the target teenage group and adults alike.


The plot revolves around the annual "Hunger Games" staged as a punishment by the Capitol district as a result of a revolt some 78 years ago. This dystopia of a vision of a post collapsed USA shows the now renamed country Panem. This is interesting as it is a reference to the ancient Roman dogma of Panem et circenses, bread and circus, to keep the people happy. The country is divided in 12 districts that all serve the purpose of ensuring that the decadence of the Capitol is made possible. Two tributes, one boy and one girl aged 12 - 20, is selected to fight to the death in the Hunger Games. The games are aired on live television and is of course a satire of modern day reality TV shows. One "Victor" remains and is crowned by the President/Dictator of this fascist state. 
The main character played by the wonderful Jennifer Lawrence volunteers in lieu of her younger sister. The two tributes are taken to the Capitol and is groomed and trained by a team. The games is set in completely controlled forest environment that can induce everything from fires to lethal beasts. The struggle of survival is evident and is in contrast to the excitement of the TV audience. The film feels like a mixture of the sentiment of "Lord of the flies" and modern day thirst for new and ever increasing TV shocks. The ending of the movie is interesting and well worth a closer look. I do not want to spoil the ending but it has both political and emotional implications. I would have welcomed a more expanded ending to make this a truly great film. The end of the film leaves at least me feeling a bit flat as it could have been so much more to expand on.


The juxtaposition between the poverty stricken district and the decadent and colourful decadence of the Capitol is powerful. The districts are illustrated as grey, flat and people without hope or even a will to revolt to such conditions. The Capitol is to great effect shown as the centre of decadence. The inhabitance is dressed in colourful and often outrageously camp outfits, men and women alike. The sleazy TV host is a brilliant character that shows the brashness underneath his whiter than white smile and it is clear it is part of a political game. As the President, masterfully played by Sutherland, describes the only thing more powerful than fear is hope. A small controlled amount of hope keeps the districts under control. That is the reason the hunger games exist and one tribute survives. 
It is interesting when the games start no one seem to have any moral objections that teenagers and children are pitted against each other and in the most brutal way slaughter each other. It only shows in a perfectly executed way how thin the layer of veneer is that we call civilisation and morality really is. It reminds the viewer that it can so easily be removed. 


This is a successful film and well worth watching on the big screen. It flows well and have many interesting aspects. Well done.


Rating 4 out of 5