Review: 'Hunger Games'

Film: Hunger Games
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Wes Bentley, Liam Hemsworth
Director: Gary Ross
Rating: ***1/2

Based on a book by Suzanne Collins of the same name, Hunger Games is a highly anticipated film of this year. Set in the future, Hunger Games, is the first of a trilogy that tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a teenager, living in a post- apocalyptic America.

The film unravels in a fictitious country called Panem, which stands where once North America did. We see an utterly dystopian world where Capitol, a metropolis, controls and rules over the twelve districts that constitute Panem. The Hunger Games are an annual event where two contestants (a boy and girl) from each district are selected and offered as tributes to compete in a battle to death. The nation watches in glee as teenagers indulge in grotesque cold-bloodied murders in order to survive.

The novel and its sequels have received much appreciation and positive criticism since they were released in 2008 but not having read the series this review is completely based on how Hunger Games works as a film.

The film follows Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) as she enters the Hunger Games tournament along with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). All Katniss has working for her are her skills as an archer and that is all she must use to fight for survival in a deadly forest manipulated by the government’s game makers and protect herself from other contestants.

Let the games begin "and may the odds be ever in your favour".

It has been rated PG 13 for a reason; visuals of teenagers at each other's throats and taking pleasure in doing so can be a disturbing sight but the movie holds you despite all the blood and gore (or maybe because of that).

One of the best things about Hunger Games are the performances. Jennifer Lawrence’s sincere portrayal of Katniss; a girl who is tough, feisty yet kind-hearted and fiercely protective of those she loves is spot on. Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman, the TV host of the Hunger Games, is also someone to look out for.

The film builds up the suspense quite well and manages to keep you hooked at all times. The very effective use of camera and sounds contribute largely to the plot. Many hand held shots create a feeling of urgency and sort of give an idea of the protagonist’s emotional and mental status while the forest sounds constantly remind the viewers of imminent danger and keep them guessing what will happen next.

The concept of the film is rich thematically and raises many issues. The most central one being government’s control over society (somewhat similar to what we see in Big Brother); others being class distinctions, dire poverty, and human relationships.

Hunger Games is well made and a 'bloody' good way to spend your weekend.