The long-awaited film adaptation of the prequel to Suzanne Collins’ award-winning dystopian trilogy “The Hunger Games” hit theaters worldwide on Nov. 17, and although expectations weren’t very high for the film, it is arguably the best cinematic rendition in “The Hunger Games” series so far.
The story of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” is set during the tenth annual Hunger Games, a game in which two tributes from each of the 12 districts are randomly selected to fight to kill with the goal of being the last one standing. The film follows the power-hungry Coriolanus Snow as he strives to become president of Panem, the government system under which the characters live.
The visual aesthetics in this movie are nothing short of extraordinary. From the glamor of the Capitol, which is filled with the highest class, to the filth of the impoverished Districts who live in unfortunate conditions, the producers of this movie succeeded in creating settings that were painstakingly stunning. The optics of this rendition give the viewer a journey for the eye as the narration of the story is a journey for the soul.
Not only was the captivating narrative portrayed beautifully through the storytelling and visuals, but the actors also excelled in giving the film an intense emotion. Tom Blyth, who played the main role of Coriolanus Snow, perfectly expressed the multiple dimensions of his complicated character by giving each scene the perfect sensation.
Along with this, Rachel Zegler, who played the role of Lucy Gray Baird, gave a captivating performance of a young, naive girl who has a passion for song. Zegler not only uses her enchanting voice to give life to her character, but also gives the audience a look into Lucy Gray’s persona through her physical expressions and strong sentiments.
Similar to the previous films, this storyline deals with complex themes of power, morality and rebellion. The portrayal of this narrative intricately navigates the complexities of Snow’s role to bring emphasis to the significance of the decisions he makes when considering the line between good and bad.
The script also portrays many parallels between Lucy’s story and that of Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of the original trilogy. These parallels come in many different forms such as body language, phrases and character perception. In each production, they both are seen doing the same curtsy, referencing mockingjays and are Hunger Games tributes from District 12.
This rendition has deservedly broken records for the Hunger Games franchise, making $44 million on opening night. The movie has become an internet sensation and fans worldwide have been raving about the new release and what it might mean for previous and future releases.
“The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” proves to be a cinematic triumph that, along with exceeding fans’ expectations, gives the audience a captivating experience involving strong passion and a powerful storyline that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
