My family and I went to see The Hunger Games last Friday.
This movie is based off of a bestselling three-book series. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic era (the future) in a city called Panem with 12 outlying districts. Every year the Capitol of Panem hosts the annual Hunger Games. One girl and one boy between the ages of 12 and 18 are sent off to fight to the death in an arena and all of the games are televised for everyone to see. In this amazing frontier kind of story, Katniss Everdeen is a 16-year-old girl who lives in the poorest district — District 12. Katniss knows how to shoot a bow quite well and she also knows how to hunt. She is a girl that knows how to survive alone in the wilderness. Katniss is pretty tough. In this story, Katniss’s little sister Prim is chosen for the 74th annual hunger games and Katniss volunteers to replace her as tribute to go and fight to the death in the arena. I think that takes a lot of bravery to do that for someone you love.
I have read all the books and I thought this movie really followed the book well and they did an amazing job with all the complicated parts of this story. Jennifer Lawrence did an outstanding job portraying Katniss on the big screen. The whole entire cast did a great job, portraying all of their diverse characters. This story is not a light one; all of these tributes must make the ultimate sacrifice for people’s entertainment because they were chosen out of a hat. If the kids don’t know how to fight and survive, the penalty is death and there can only be one survivor.
The Hunger Games has some amazing scenery. It was shot in North Carolina and Kentucky, where many movies like Last of the Mohicans were shot, with dense forests and amazing waterfalls and lakes. In the books it really described the scenery and they nailed it in this movie. It was really cool to see the story come alive.
I think this story will inspire young people — especially girls — because Katniss is really tough, knows how to shoot a bow and can survive. I hope it will inspire people to learn more about survival skills and to fend for themselves, like learning how to hunt. Before I read the books I already knew how to shoot a bow — and not a compound bow, an old fashioned long bow like Katniss uses.
My best friend introduced me to the books and I loved it, I didn’t think I would like it because it seemed like it was sci-fi but I started reading and couldn’t stop. After I read it I was inspired to shoot my bow more often so I could get as good as Katniss was. I hope this story will inspire young people to become tough and to learn how to do things to survive. The story is a futuristic frontier story and I think that is really cool.
JimC says
Ceili is a seventh grader at Sisters Middle School. She knows how to Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth.
Keith says
I love these types of stories, & you have written this review very well Jim. You have sold it to me. I will have to keep my eys open for this one over here, & the book too.
Much obliged Jim.
Regards, Keith.
JimC says
Thanks Keith, but the writing credit goes to my daughter on this one.
kit stafford says
Ceili.
I can relate to the excitement I hear through your literary voice when you speak of the focus, strength and fun a person can have when shooting with a bow.
My father made bows and arrows for us when I was a little girl. The review makes me want to see the movie which I’m sure will stir those wonderful memories of the adventures I had with my father. We even entered tournaments….we weren’t very competitive….but that didn’t matter. The immersion in an ancient practice is what still carries me today.
Cheers for you!
Kit
LynnW says
Wow, Ceili, Jim mentioned this series, but your description clinches it for me; I’ll be watching when the series is on DVD. You know, when you travel to the Appalachians — I have a feeling you will someday — hopefully Mark Warren will still be teaching… I’ve know him since I was younger than you, and I think you would really soak up his earthlore teachings. Check out his website and blog — I went there on Friday to look up his May classes, but couldn’t stop reading, about snakes, that it IS true that eating poison ivy (carefully) does make one immune, and more! http://www.medicinebow.net
I have his book on order and will share it with you. He’s also written much of his knowledge, and hopes to publish a whole series on earthlore — a treasure that will be.
Tiffany Tisdel says
Ceili,
Well done! You have a gift for newswriting. Cheers to this author for creating a strong young woman in the lead role and inspiring many like yourself to be all that you can be.
I too loved the books and was pleased with how closely the movie followed the book in plot and visual details. I have to admit I had as many stirring dreams after watching the movie as I did while reading the novels.
Nice job doing a bit of research on the filming and location of the movie to add credibility to your post and informing readers like myself.
Here is an interesting tid-bit I discovered while reading another review for The Hunger Games. The latin phrase ‘panem et circenses” literally means give them bread and circuses. This was the Roman’s philosophy for maintaining a docile society. I am curious if Collins began with this phrase or came across it in her reasearch for the story she has placed in the dystopian world of Panem.
May the odds be ever in your favor!
Ceili says
Hey Tiffany! Thanks so much, I had dreams too, haha and I loved the books! Wow those are some interesting facts, that is sooo cool! Wow! Suzanne Collins is pretty amazing to be able to write a story in such a different world. Thanks again Tiffany.
-Ceili
P.S thanks to everyone for all of your wonderful comments 🙂
Donald Paul Wiley says
There are hidden meanings in this movie just like almost every other movie thats been made in the last 15 years or so.