I have read quite a few reviews of The Hunger Games movie, and all were written by people who are appalled, disgusted or otherwise against the box office smash. I am not going to go off on what people have said because I feel everyone is entitled to their opinions. I am, however, going to write about what I think.
My husband and I went to see The Hunger Games in the theater yesterday afternoon. I read the books a while ago, and was excited to hear about the movie adaptation. Although I could have written a post or left comments on blogs/articles pertaining to the subject because I have read the books, I felt it would be better to wait until I saw the movie for myself.
Things I Liked:
1. The main character, Katniss. What a fantastic heroin! She sacrificed herself to save her sister from possible death. If that's not love, what is? She refused to kill the other tributes until it was absolutely necessary. She killed one boy to save the sweet girl, Rue, who had helped her out and soon became a friend. She shot Kato in the hand with an arrow so he would release her District 12 comrade, and in what I consider to be an act of mercy, fataly wounded him with another arrow to end the excrutiating pain caused by the creatures devouring him.
2. The blatant difference between the inhabitants of the districts and the citizens of The Capitol. Not only were the people in the districts simple, hardworking men and women, they had a deep concern for each other. The citizens of The Capitol were selfish, lavish creatures who showed no empathy for the children being sent to their deaths. These major differences made it very easy to dislike and even hate the self absorbed people and love and support their humble counterparts.
3. The empathy shown by the mentor to the tributes of District 12. He had been in their shoes before, and although he did not try to stop what was happening (I'm sure he knew he couldn't,) he did what he felt he could do to help Katniss during the game.
4. The determination of the contestants. It just astonishes me how quickly our instincts take over when we feel threatened. These children had to make the best of the situation they were in, and I felt some of them did a great job at holding on to their humanity.
5. The love shown between Katniss and Rue. These two girls didn't know each other from anyone, yet they bonded so quickly and passionately.
Things I Did Not Like:
1. The game itself. Nothing makes me feel more disgusted than the thought of a government using human sacrifice as a way to control the citizens of a country. It's just barbaric and wrong.
2. The non chalant attitudes of The Capitol's citizens, the representative of District 12, the show host, The President and the show's producer. Twelve districts sacrificed two of their children to kill each other for sport, and yet, nobody seemed to be disgusted by it.... Hmmm...
3. The way some of the contestants found it amusing to kill their opponents. This just made my stomach hurt.
4. The length of time in which The Hunger Games were a part of the society. Seventy four years and no uprising... This bothered me.
5. The violence. I'm not a fan of violent movies. I prefer to watch chick flicks and comedies.
I am very confused by something, and wish someone would explain it to me.... There was such an uproar concerning this movie. People criticized it, expressed their strong opposition toward it, insulted those who have chosen to see it and made it very clear that they will not go see the movie or read the books. I am not saying these people or their passionate opinions are wrong. Everyone has the right to decide what to expose themselves to. I am confused by one thing, though: Why this particular movie? Is it because the violence is between children? Is it because the movie is set in the United States? Is it fear that has driven people to be so opposed? There is violence to some degree in nearly every form of media be it film, television or literature, but never have I seen such a large outpouring of negativity towards anything until this movie came out. I just wonder why....? I have never read anything written by someone wanting to boycot action movies like Mission Impossible due to violent content. I have never read anything boycotting horror flicks like Saw due to disturbing content. Why now? Why this particular movie?
