Quite a while ago (a year or more?) a few friends recommended that I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I am an avid reader, and I literally flew through the series. I loved the books and instantly knew the story HAD to be made into a movie.
Since I read the books, my two older daughters and husband also ate them up, and so the four of us have been eagerly awaiting the movie release.
My girls bought tickets for the midnight show weeks ago, but my husband and I decided to go for the easier route: we went to a 10:45 am showing on opening day. Perfect!
About the Hunger Games:
If you don’t already know the story behind the Hunger Games, here’s a little recap:
In a not-too-distant future, North America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss’ young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.
Who should see The Hunger Games?
The book and the movie are visually graphic and emotionally intense and not for young children or the weak stomached. There is plenty of violence, but there is also plenty of humanity and courage and wisdom and kindness, too.
I would certainly recommend the movie for ages 12 and up (and generally would recommend not taking children under 12, but only parents know their children and how they will handle an intense story like this). In my opinion, older kids that can handle reading the books will probably love the movie, but on the other hand, I’m sure there are plenty of adults who will find the movie disturbing and would rather steer clear. It IS disturbing. But I couldn’t recommend it more.
Did I like The Hunger Games movie? How did it compare to the book?
First, I must say that tears flowed down my face multiple times during the movie, and I am not a crier. The movie moved me. Like I said above, the movie is intense but there is so much GOOD intensity about it. It stirred my emotions more than a few times, and not just because people died.
As with any book that is made into a movie, some things HAD to be left out and a few things were changed. Since it had been a while since I read the first book, my memories of details in the book were a little hazy, and honestly I think that was to my benefit. While I noticed some changes, they didn’t bother me at all. My husband was a little more upset about a few of the adjustments, but even he was extremely impressed.
Without becoming a spoiler post, I will say this: I think that the movie was perfectly cast. Jennifer Lawrence was a beautiful, believable Katniss. I would have enjoyed more relationship development between Katniss and Peeta in the games, and some additional background on Katniss and Gale’s relationship back home.
Have you seen The Hunger Games?
If you have seen the movie, I’d love to talk about your reaction in the comments below. While this post was spoiler-free, I’ll open the comments up to ANYTHING (so beware those of you who haven’t watched the movie yet. You may want to stop reading now…).
I think I’ll be re-reading the books over Spring Break (which starts next week) and making plans to see the movie again. I really did like it that much.
Photo credits: Murray Close and Lionsgate Films
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I don’t make up horrible things in my mind. I just don’ t think that way. SO even though the subject of the books were “tough”, they were not disturbing to me. It was a lot harder to “see” the events play out on the big screen. They were much more disturbing.
I thought that they kept true to the book, which I really appreciate. I will see the next one.
My husband went with me and he has never read the books. He liked the movie, but I think you like the movie a lot more if you have read the books. So much of the books are their thoughts and feelings being developed. You don’t really get that in the movie. I tried to explain that there is so much more coming up, and that their battle is just beginning.
My only really big complaint was the way it was filmed. I felt like I was getting sea sick with all the herky-jerky movements of the camera. Characters were well cast though and likable. Perfect for their parts.
I just saw it tonight. I thought it was great. Some of the emotional scenes are just so strong. I almost lost it during the reaping when Prim had to be carried away.
That would be a really interesting perspective! I actually really love watching movies that are a total surprise to me…but then again I love seeing movies that bring to life my favorite books. I guess I’m easy to please. :)
Let me know what you think of it!! Yes, I did give my blog a new theme and freshen it up a bit. Thanks!
Oh, it’s much, much better than the Twilight series. :) But that’s just my opinion, of course.
I have not seen the movie but I am reading the books and just finished the first one. I loved it. I heard on the news they are saying it is not good for kids. But who would take their kids to see it? It is not meant for kids but I will wait to see where the books take me…then I will pass judgement on whether the series is as good as the Twilight series.
going to see the movie on sunday. i usually avoid movies made from books i’ve read, but i’m actually really excited about this one.
btw, your site looks great! facelift?
I agree with everything. It’s very very intense, and I know that younger kids will see it, but I think the PG 13 rating is just right. VERY intense — and you’re right, that intensity brought tears to my eyes.
I saw it with one person who just read book 1 last month, one person who hasn’t read it, and me who has read all 3. It was interesting seeing the person who hadn’t read it react, because everything was totally out of the blue. She knew Katniss had to win (b/c of the series), but she didn’t even know Peeta did too. Great experience. I’d actually like to see it again :)
I can’t believe you haven’t read the books! At this point, go out and see the movie and you won’t be blue resist reading the books (and you’ll love how much deeper the books go, of course!)
Haven’t seen it or read them but plan to. This post makes me want to read them!