Suzanne Collin’s critically aclaimed novel The Hunger Games, which this month was released as a film, has broken box office records and after seeing the film, it is clear why. Set in the future, north America has collapsed and a new society, Panam, replaced the old system. The film follows the narrative of the novel to the letter and those who have read the book, will not be disappointed, however this is not surprising as Collins herself wrote the screenplay for the movie. It is safe to say, without revealing the plot, that every aspect and detail from the novel is enhanced for the audience as well as extra features which keep the flow of suspense at a perfect rate through-out the film rewarding both those who have read the books with these little extra’s, augmenting the experience, and those who choose to watch the film as it is. A prime example would be the absolute beginning of the film, where a brief history of Panam is given to the audience to give context to the film without lumbering the narrative of the film later on.

Without doubt, the film masters the use of  the camera through-out the film, this actually brings the audience into the film, as though we are experiencing the action rather than being given a window into the events of the film. For these reasons i believe that The Hunger Games did not need to employ 3D technology, and for this i am glad that the film did not follow this path, as the 3D effects would have distorted the essence of the film, it did not need 3D to grab the audience because the film was so beautifully and delicately crafted that the audience was captivated for the narrative of the film rather than any special effects could manage. Frankly i recomemed the film even if you  have not read The Hunger Games because the film does accommodate for all.

Having said this, my only criticism is that the certification may not be accurate of the action sequences within the film, there are various – and i can confidently say this without spoiling the plot – scenes where there is graphic murders in the most brutal ways available to unarmed and in some cases, armed teenagers. though there is a considerable lack of blood, this does not detract from the horror in some scenes of the film. I therefore believe that the film should be a 15 rather than a 12A, however this cannot be a fault with the film, more how it has been judged.

I loved the film and highly recommend this film as it follows so closely to the original novel which is a rarity. The plot of the film is also another factor setting The Hunger Games apart from other films within its field, the message of the light and darkness in humanity as well as the balance of hope and despair which is presented within the film is clearly a film for older teenagers and students. I believe that the film does deserve five roses, as a film which see’s a reliance on the both the visual aspects of the film as well as the story it is telling.

Score: 5/5 Roses