The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1

Storyline

The Hungar Games is based on the novel of the same name written by Suzanne Collins. The story starts with the rescue of Katniss (played by Jennifer Lawrence) from the destructing Quarter Quell. She is awakened midst of District 13 which was almost destroyed. Infact, her home at District 12 had been reduced to ashes. She also observed that presently Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson) is now the present captive of President Snow (played by Donald Sutherland). Katniss eventually gets to know about the secret rebellion which had spread through the entire of Panem. Unknowing to her, this rebellion would actually put Katniss at the center of the plot contradicting to Snow.

Review

This movie was based on the weakest novel written by Suzanne Collins’ trilogy series. Thus, we cannot put the total blame upon the actors and the filmmakers of the movie. The makers of the movie have actually tried their best to portray the characters more likeable than they are there in the novel. One of the biggest mistake committed by the director is splitting the book into two parts thereby dragging the storyline altogether. It may have fetched more box office revenue but it has weakened the plot of the movie. One of the strengths of the movie is its visual beauty provided by the makers by showing majestic sci-fi environments. The entire movie is gift wrapped in a witty parody showing the outlook of the modern culture.

This movie maybe given the genre of a war film, but it is a unique one but it is less dependent on its action sequences and the on screen violence scenes. Rather, this movie focuses more on majestic political and personal approach as Katniss is motivated to bring about the revolution at any cost. Maybe she is not a great military leader but the maker shows her struggle of being a bold and heroic archer, accepting her faults and giving her all to save her man whom she loves- who is being tortured in the prison. The way she is shown handling the explosive tipped arrows in the battles scenes is quite commendable as it satisfies the mission of the drama.

The makers have focused on portraying the characters to their utmost capabilities, among which the character of Katniss is the most developed one. But the rest of the characters too shine throughout the movie too. In this movie, Liam Hemsworth’s Gale gets to shine too. His emotional conflicts, his feelings for Katniss, his bonding with Peeta and his own development of his self have been portrayed well throughout the movie. Infact the movie also shows great light upon new characters such as in the character of Julianne’s President Coin who is the leader of the rebellion and eventually becomes the antagonist of the heroine.

This is a movie based on revolution so its very important that the audience get to know the exact reason for the revolution. This job has been fantastically performed by screenwriters Danny Strong and Peter Craig. They don’t fail to portray the evilness of the Capitol through ruthless executions, bombing cities and threatening speeches affecting the characterization and the situations shown in the movie. The character of President Snow presents too many shades to its character. Donald Sutherland gives his best to portray the threat and uncertainties he feels he has towards his attitude to become all powerful.

The first part of Hungry Games Mockingjay does not provide its audience with a big revelation or conclusion to the basic storyline of the movie which actually makes the plot of the drama bit weak but the visual threat provided by the same actually makes up for it so one should actually watch the movie at the theaters atleast once. Another reason you should watch this movie is because its fine characterization and you would be eagerly waiting for the conclusion of the movie in the next part.