Even A Non Reader Can Love This One

Rating: 10/10 (28 November 2014)

I am an avid fan of the book trilogy, so I was not expecting too many surprises with this movie. Especially considering that I hate the last book in the trilogy. Even so, the way Francis, the cast and the gifted production crew managed to astound and emote me throughout.
However, what I found most surprising was how the movie affected my husband. He is not a reader, whatsoever, and indulges my obsession with this franchise because it makes me happy. So, I tend to consider his opinion pretty unbiased. He loved Mockingjay Part 1. He found the plot and character development from the last movie fascinating. He even developed a grudging respect and the pity for Peeta (a character he has only shown disdain for over the last 2 movies because his characterization has been so poorly established). Just about the only thing he didn't like was that the movie cut off--ended. He was so unsatisfied. I asked him if he understood why the movie had to be split, if he believed what he had seen could've been accomplished in that kind of detail if everything that was left to be resolved had been crammed into another 30 to 45 minutes of film. He answered that there was no way to do that and get it right. It would feel like whatever the ending would be would be rushed, unpolished. He then said he still did not have to like it. He does not want to wait a year to find out what happens and, believe me, he does not want any hints. He found the movie compelling.
If Mockingjay Part 1 can do this for someone complete uninitiated into the world Collins created... and am going to go ahead and call it a triumph.