Unsettling and thought-provoking

Rating: 8/10 (31 March 2012)

The main thematic elements of this film have been covered many times by many great books and films but The Hunger Games still is an exciting and worthwhile watch. I was impressed that they were packaged for a slightly younger intended audience than classics like 1984, The Lord of the Flies and V For Vendetta. As with Lord of the Flies, the actions are all the more disturbing as they are being performed by and on children.
The premise is a little shaky. There does not seem to be any reason why holding The Hunger Games is the best way to keep the rebellious districts in check. However, if we accept that this *is* the way that The Capitol wants to do it, the way that they manipulate the population and the competitors is very well executed.
The suspense is palpable throughout although the shaky camera that is one of the techniques used is irritating in the beginning of the movie. It is used to better effect during combat when it obscures gratuitous violence and conveys panic and disorientation. The violence was greater than I expected for a film aimed at young adults but the themes mean that it is not in vain and it is used to further the story.
I must admit to liking films with bad guys who I can get truly angry at. Although I did restrain myself the urge to throw popcorn was quite high in parts. It is possible to get emotionally wrapped-up in the story and a few tears were shed. In some of these parts it was quite obvious what was going to happen and the suspense comes from observing when and how. Perhaps that is the inevitable problem with stating from the beginning of the story that most of the characters will die.
Although this is the first of a trilogy and there are some loose ends, the major plot elements have been wrapped up by the end of the film. I did not feel short-changed as I have with others, but it did leave me wanting more and I don't intend to wait for the next film as I have not read the books yet.
I came out of the movie thinking about a lot of things, and comparing it with the great works I have mentioned before. If I thought for certain that this movie belonged in the same echelon as those I would have given it a 10 but by virtue of conveying the message in the way it did, to new audiences, and making me leave the theatre deep in thought it deserves my high rating.