Wow!

Rating: 9/10 (15 October 2014)

My title sums this movie up. I haven't read the books but I notice from other reviewers who have that the film is an excellent graphic portrayal of the original work of fiction so I will accept that as fact.
The story is bizarre in that a nation could tolerate such a barbaric pseudo-entertainment for 74 years without someone putting a stop to it but then this is fiction! The change to the rules after 74 years is, to say the least, fortunate - particularly for Peeta (Josh Hutcherson).
Again, another reviewer said that Panem is supposed to be a futuristic version of the USA and that didn't surprise me at all. The CIA has been manipulating both domestic and international affairs for decades and so the manipulation of what is supposed to be a straightforward competition didn't surprise me one bit. Unfortunately for them though, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) was just that bit too smart for them - even right at the very end.
All the actors played their roles excellently although probably the most experienced of them all, Donald Sutherland was, I felt, a bit flat. But, of course, that may be how the writer and director wanted him to be - although, if it was, why use such a capable actor?
One question that comes to mind is, if Panem is supposed to be the world of the future, can we look forward to going back to almost Elizabethan pompery with ridiculous wigs, make up and facial hair for the gentry and poverty for the working classes? If so, I hope I don't live that long!
A gripping movie that I will watch more than once again.