The Hunger Games

 

The Hunger Games is a first among the Trilogy. It tells how Katniss Everdeen sacrificed for her sister who was chosen to become a tribute for the 74th Hunger Games which is done annually as a commemoration where 12 Districts will have to choose one pair - a young woman and a man who will fight to the death until a victor is announced. Alongside with Katniss is Peeta, a baker's son who has a secret.

The Hunger Games is finally out. Shown in March but I was really lucky that this film is still shown in Iloilo City that even it is already more than a month since its initial run, I was able to watch it just before I went back to Aklan.

The books were always at the front aisle on every bookstore but I did not find it interesting until one of my students shoved it to me saying that this would wipe out my love on Harry Potter. Of course, Harry is different from The Hunger Games, the latter has more adult content than HP. Reading the book was a revelation and touches the topic of death, friendship, survival and corruption. As I read it, it would not be hard for them to translate this into a feature film as the elements are not that complex as the other books.

To all the readers of the book will see a lot of changes in the film. While in the book, it is all about in the perspective of Katniss, there are some scenes included in the film that was not mentioned in the book particularly the events behind the games itself. There were some omitted characters as well. One of them was the young girl in Katniss' quarters but even so, this did not affect the film. The conflict between Katniss and Peeta at the end of the film where they were transported back to District 12 was not even addressed. The tension between Katniss, Peeta and Gaile in the end as well was left unexpressed. Hopefully, this will be seen on Catching Fire next year.

This was one of the great adaptation of a novel to film. It was very faithful to the book. As I have said, the material was not that complex that adapting it would be a piece of cake. I have one disappointment though, they did not quite got the "girl on fire" scene well. I was actually hoping that they would pull it off well but nonetheless, it was a good film. The scenes with Rue is one of the most powerful scenes in the movie even with the lack of depth with the relationship between Rue and Katniss.

The Hunger Games started out well. Great casting and excellent transition from the pages of the book to the silver screen will make this one of the successful trilogies ever made. And yes, The Hunger Games kicks Twilight's butt off... :D

GRADE: A-


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