The Hunger Games is based on the first novel in the three-part trilogy written by Suzanne Collins. It is set in a not too distant dystopian future where, every year, one young person from each of the twelve districts must compete in a televised arena game where they must fight to the death. And by 'fight to the death', I don't mean The Bachelor's version of a fight to the death; I mean that they literally have to kill each other. For a long time, my mum has been saying I should watch The Hunger Games (she loves the franchise), so this past weekend, I finally did... and I was amazed.

Reading back over some of my previous reviews, I have realised that I love movies that are 'clever'. I enjoy them when they have a plot that makes you think or can fit together so nicely at the end. Or a movie where it is obvious how much thought went into making the movie. The Hunger Games ticked all these criteria. 

The story was incredible, but I'm going to come back to that later. With an already incredible story to work with, director Gary Ross' job could have been easy. But he did not take the comfortable path but instead experimented with different camera angles and effects which would either turn out to be groundbreaking, or could have just as easily gone horribly wrong. Thankfully, it didn't go horribly wrong. The effects such as slow-motion or a wild picture were used to extremely good effect. It was directed in a way that the audience felt nervous with the characters and was incredibly immersed in the world. This astonishing directing resulted in a very powerful and moving movie.

The acting was outstanding. So good that, at first, I didn't even realise how amazing it was; their acting was that natural. There was exceptional music, but also exceptional limitations of music. There were times where moments of silence or only diegetic sound was favourable. Once again, the music was so superior that I hardly noticed it and it didn't take away from the film in any way. The kind of sounds that the composer used felt like they belonged in the world created by Suzanne Collins.

Speaking of the world in which The Hunger Games took place, this world was established well. The world was close enough to our current world that it was easy enough for the audience's minds to transition to this new universe but still felt like you were in a movie and not the real world. Well, this is what it was like at the beginning of the movie. As the movie progressed there were more and more elements of the movie which felt familiar... too familiar. There were multiple components of the story which closely reflected what has happened and is happening in the world. At first glance, a viewer (or reader of the original novel) could be forgiven for thinking that our world is far from the fictional that was in The Hunger Games. However, on closer inspection, the movie felt uncomfortably too real.

But this is not a bad thing! Well, not bad on the author at least. The Hunger Games is the kind of movie which our world needs to see. It isn't a movie that comments on 'popular' themes such as sexism, racism or climate change. It instead comments on society as a whole and what we need to avoid. It was less about being nice to women or nice to the environment, it was more just about being nice. However, it did this without literally spelling out what the message of the movie was intended to be, it instead showed what our world could become and it was up to the viewer's interpretation of how to avoid this. 

Unfortunately, I am a movie critic so I have to criticise something about the movie: I don't think that the main antagonist was portrayed in the best way possible. One of the other characters who was in the arena with the protagonist was set out to be the main villain. But he wasn't a very deep character. There was one moment towards the end of the film where this villain seemed to get suddenly emotive, which felt very out of place due to his previous invisibility of emotions. I think that this wouldn't have been too difficult to fix with a couple of extra very short scenes or even lines showing this villain's stakes in competing in the games.

I wouldn't recommend The Hunger Games for anyone under the age of fifteen. Not due to an excessive amount of swearing or realistic violence (it has neither of these, the violence is shot in a way where it is often suggested and is hardly ever seen). I'm suggesting this for older teenagers and adults mostly due to the important themes and the way it makes you think. The themes talked about in the movie are essential messages, but not ones that under fifteens should have to be thinking about at this age. Additionally, younger viewers tend to overthink movies; I speak from experience when I say this. The Hunger Games could be extremely frightening when overthought, especially considering that teens are the ones who are chosen for the games in the movie.

The Hunger Games is an incredible film. The book on its own has an amazing story and stunning message. So with some remarkable directing, valuable acting and exceptional music, it is a surprise that The Hunger Games never received even an Oscar Nomination. Not recommended for under fifteens but a must-see for anyone else. 

Director: Gary Ross

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson

Year released: 2012

My rating: 9.75/10

Review by Tristan Carr

Last edited: 15/08/2021