The Hunger Games (2012)

When thinking about Soviet Russia or Nazi Germany one needs to explore the different historical, cultural, political and economic circumstances that led to a totalitarian regime. There was something unique about these two places that allowed for the complete subjugation of a people by an elite few. What were those circumstances? Look at Germany in particular: unlike Stalin, Hitler did not overthrow the current government and seize power, he was elected. Why? There is a theory that people will vote for extremist parties in times of economic turmoil and political chaos. When the current system has failed people look for more far-reaching solutions. Look at the United States, for instance. People are feeling relatively insecure and for the past four years we have had to listen to the preachings of Tea Party and other very conservative members of government. I do not argue that America will become another Nazi Germany, it is simply a small example.

How this relates to "The Hunger Games" is the parallels with the creation of these states and the the formation of the Capitol, a monolithic city of decadence and odious gildedness. It is a world of neon, pastel, chrome and wires, where makeup-ed elites walk with flowery pomp eating chocolate-covered strawberries. Their worries are of their entertainment and their depravity knows no ends. Outside of the Capitol are twelve districts set up during military rule following an uprising of the masses. The people there live in utter squalor, hunting and bartering like medieval peasants. Bread is an unfathomable luxury. The haves and the have-nots are split and kept in their respective places. Thus it has been for 78 years.

In District 12 we meet Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a young teenager who looks after her little sister and her unhelpful mother. Living in the woods she has become an expert outdoorsman and a good hunter with a bow. Those who have seen her Lawrence's outstanding, breakthrough performance in "Winter's Bone" will undoubtedly see similarities between Ree and Katniss. This character is a tough girl built for survival, whose beauty is matched only by her stoic persistence.

Every year the Capitol holds the Hunger Games, a barbaric game of survival in which 24 children from age 12-18 are selected at random from their districts to fight to the death for honor, glory, riches (their life!) and, most importantly to the Capitol, to serve as a reminder that there is pride in being a member of this society, that this land is ruled by the king in the Capitol, and revolution will not be tolerated. The Hunger Games is a celebrated week-long spectacle for the upper-crust who pick their favorites, providing money and supplies to those they like. The masses watch with baited breath as children from their communities slaughter or are slaughtered. Perhaps you might see a parallel between this and "Battle Royale".

When Katniss' little sister is chosen in her very first time at the Reaping Katniss volunteers herself to take her place in the games. Throughout her four days of training and being paraded around in sparkling dresses and high-heels she develops a following, along with the boy selected from her district, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Guided by the help a past winner, an alcoholic named Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), Katniss soon becomes a favorite of the competition.

After that comes the predictable bloodbath. Alliances are made and broken as civilization breaks down in the face of fight-or-flight. We watch young boys and girls hack into each other with knives, swords or simply their bare hands. In a simulated terrain computer-generated obstacles create further peril as these kids fight for their lives. They not only have to worry about each other, but the elements as well.

This is a very sleek and fully-realized vision of a dystopia. I have not read the books, but judging from the positive reaction of fans this will please both those fond of the books as well as people like myself who go in cold. The special effects are fantastic, the action sequences are thrilling, and the story is compelling.

Although it is a bit too long, some of the camera work was unnecessarily sloppy and the love scenes are poorly written, the acting keeps the viewers completely involved. Lawrence is an outstanding young actress, compounded by the fact that she is untrained. Like Ree and Katniss she lives by instinct and definitely pays off. Harrelson too is absolutely wonderful as Haymitch, a boozer with a tough exterior, but someone who really cares for these kids. His alcohol comes from this hatred of the sport and he uses that very complex set of emotions to fine effect.

This film leaves a lot to be desired just in the nature of the world they live in. I found myself wishing I did not have to watch the Hunger Games, but rather simply stay in the Capitol and learn how it functions, how it got the way it is and who these people running it are. How does their entire society interrelate? As I said, although I have not read the books I have a hunch that these questions will be answered more fully and satisfactorily, and because of this I wait in anticipation for the sequels.

3/4