Reviewed by Clara Sofia

Based on the first installment of Suzanne Collins’s wildly popular trilogy, The Hunger Games takes place in Panem, a future society in North America ruled by a city called the Capitol. The rest of the country is divided into twelve impoverished districts, and, to punish the districts’ citizens for attempting rebellion, the Capitol creates a competition in which two randomly selected tributes from each district, between the age of twelve and seventeen, fight to the death.

The story focuses on Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) from District 12, who volunteers to compete in her sister’s place. While the citizens of the Capitol watch the Hunger Games for entertainment, Katniss fights for her life against twenty-three other teens.

As an avid fan who devoured the first Hunger Games book in one day, I was worried that the movie would not do the book justice. However, I was wrong. I applaud the director, Gary Ross, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a loyal screen adaptation. The movie keeps every important part and still remains entertaining. Parts of the movie are filmed with a handheld camera, which helps the viewers see situations through Katniss’s eyes without shaking enough to be annoying.

The sheer amount of action ensures that The Hunger Games doesn’t drag, but the film also contains plenty of character development. The success of the movie hinges on Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Katniss. She perfectly portrays Katniss’s loyalty, cold independence, and determination to win in a way that keeps the audience rooting for her.

Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), the other tribute from District 12, acts as a strong sidekick. Though the chemistry between the two may not create fireworks, it’s definitely palpable. Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson accurately portray Katniss and Peeta’s guardians, and Stanley Tucci is highly entertaining as Caesar Flickerman, the game show host.

On top of the action and the characters, the mountain scenery is beautiful (which is not surprising since it was filmed here) and the moments without grisly violence are a pleasure to look at.

I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a good action romp, dystopian stories, or an adventure. The Hunger Games is tinged with political statements, but it’s easy to ignore them and concentrate on the story. However, I would not take young children to see the film.

Though the director skillfully mitigates some of the goriest scenes, the fact remains that the plot revolves around a deadly battle between teenagers, so you’re inevitably going to see many dead kids. The death of one twelve-year-old is particularly haunting. However, if you don’t mind the violence, I encourage you to go see the Hunger Games because it’s quite an impressive achievement.

Rated PG-13 for thematic violent material and disturbing images involving teens.