I first watched The Hunger Games movie trailer on Youtube, during last November, thanks to my sister who is a big fan of Josh Hutcherson since his appearance in Zathura.
I was fascinated by the trailer, although it didn’t review much of the plot, and immediately, I Googled “The Hunger Games”, and of course, I was directed to Wikipedia. I read up the summaries for all the three books, and the plot caught my attention. In an instant, I knew that the books would be worth reading ( I’m quite outdated since the first book was already published in 2008.)
Since then, I searched for the books every time I visit my Popular bookstore, but alas, they weren’t in sight anywhere. It was December and when I was in Kuala Lumpur, I finally found the books in Popular Ikano (still not in box set yet), a few days before I was going to leave for my Jenesys Japan trip and I regretted for the rest of the holiday (after returning from Japan) for not buying the books as I was back in Kuantan and I didn’t know how long will it take for Popular Kuantan to bring in the books. ( and it took 2 and the half months for that).
It was just February when I remember getting all excited after hearing news from my sister that the books were in store, and I went to get it the next day. ( I was having my exam week during that time).
And it was the very week I started reading the first book – The Hunger Games, then Catching Fire and the last one Mockingjay. ( For the last book, I try not to finish it in two days, because I did not intend to finish it off quickly, so that it can spare me for a few more days. And it was very hard for me, and in the end, I couldn’t bear it anymore.) And yes, finishing the series made me very emotional.
So, back to the point. The reviews.
The books.
This story is very different from previous books that I’ve read. I like the whole idea of it. It is fresh and new to me. Suzanne Collins has a great writing style, and I love the way she ends every chapter, which always left me pining for more, until the last chapter. The storyline is very well plotted and very different from others, with lots of suspense instilled to it. Flipping through the pages, it can sometimes be nerve-wrecking. The protagonist, Katniss really shines out, and Suzanne Collins’s intelligent way of writing made me feel for her. And surely, romance would also fill in the story. But in this case, the romance part doesn’t outshine the main themes, but it is still one of the attraction in this story and Petaa’s love for Katniss really touched my heart. The concept of The Hunger Games was brought out in the book, with it’s solid description, and the idea was clearly and easily received and it succeeded in conveying Suzanne Collins’ messages to the readers.
After finishing the first book, I wonder how Catching Fire would continue the story. Surely, the ending of book one pulled my heart’s strings, and I was eager to find out what’s going to happen between Peeta and Katniss. The second book is as good as the first, with new elements installed in it. Going through the sequel, there is always more to come. The plot is well-driven as usual, the suspense is still there and more ideas have popped up. New characters are also introduced and the rebellion is getting stronger.
Mockingjay, the last in the series, answer all questions that arised in me. How would the Hunger Games end? Who did Katniss choose in the end? It is in this last book where the characters were transformed and they were different from the first book in certain points. It is where the unexpected happened. A war bursts out and people come and go.I like the parts during and after the execution of Presiedent Snow, and how the author twists the story again and again. This trilogy is indeed unlike others, even till its ending. From my view, the ending is neither happy nor sad. It’s not a perfect ending, as there will never be perfect endings. It is the one that satisfies me, the one still that gives me a resolution, the one that makes me feel contented.
To sum it all up, The Hunger Games trilogy is absolutely worthy of your time. Be prepared to immerse in the world of the Hunger games, and be impressed by Suzzane Collins’s style of writing and language. Thank you, Suzzane, from bringing this masterpiece to the world.
The movie.
I watched The Hunger Games on the first day, and ended up staying up till 1 in the morning to finished all my homework and waked up for school 5 hours later.
The movie runs for 2 hours and 23 minutes, still loyal to the book, although there were some additions and cuts here and there. The makeup and wardrobe for the capitol’s residents is amazing, and the colours are a feast for my eyes. Katniss was very well portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, together with Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Liam Hemsworth as Gale. The choice of casts is perfect, and played their part just right.The character are well presented, with the right costume and the right look. The movie is not draggy, and my sister was all anxious during the whole time, but not me. ( I’ll tell you why later). Gary Ross brought the book to the screen in his own way with his genius mind, and the scenes in the arena, especially the beginning of the games, where all the tributes rushing to the cornucopia really stands out. Under his direction, the movie has gone on the right track. Furthermore, the movie posters and the official website are absolutely fantastic, and the characters posters are just perfect!
And so, why wasn’t I all hyped out anxious during the movie?
It’s just because I’ve read the book, and I already know what is happening and what will happen except the part where a mutt suddenly jumped out, which also made me jumped in my seat.
I was happy and satisfied with the movie. It made my day! I loved it but I might have expected too much. Its magnificently crafted by Gary Ross, and with the first book crammed into a 2 and 1/2 hours, it was good enough for me. I enjoyed it a lot, especially with Jennifer Lawrence’s skillful acting and also the other main characters which made it a movie with high quality. Thank you once again, to Gary Ross for bringing The Hunger Games to the screens.
For the books, I’ll rate it 5 out of 5, while for the movie, 4.5 out of 5.
The Hunger Games will always stay in my heart and be a part in my life.
The Girl on Fire and The Boy with the Bread are indeed unforgettable characters.
“May the odds be ever in your favor “
