Title: The Hunger Games
Publisher: Lionsgate Films
Year:
2012
Media: Film
Rating: PG13
Ages: 10 and up
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Subjects/Themes: Government, Death, Survival
Plot Summary from the novel: 16 year-old Katniss Everdeen has been
providing for her family since her father died five years ago. She breaks the laws of the government of
Panem everyday by hunting with her bow for fresh meat, and gathering fruits and
vegetable in the woods. When Katniss’ 12-year
old sister Prim is chosen for the Hunger Games, a government-sponsored reality
television competition where 12 boys and girls compete to the death, Katniss
takes her place. She and Peeta, the kind baker’s son, must
travel to the Capitol and compete for their lives against others who are
stronger and more cunning. Can Katniss
win the Hunger Games? What about the
others? She likes, Peeta and even Rue
the young competitor who reminds her so much of Prim. Can she bring herself to fight them for her
life?
The Hunger Games film follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as told in
the novel. The film has an omniscient viewpoint and allows for a deeper
understanding of the government's role in the games and the oppression
of the people of the 12 Districts. The film deals with death and
violence in a responsible manner while staying true to the story. The
film is very good. Although a stronger film could have been made with
an R rating the balance struck by Director Ross conveys the essence of
the novel in a format that will please parents, children and adult fans
of the novel. The Hunger Games is a delicately crafted, thought
provoking film.
