2015 Dec 10
by Akansha Naraindas
New to hit Sri Lankan cinema and stirring quite a buzz over “the girl on fire” the final movie in Suzanne Collins Hunger Games Trilogy has certainly taken many by surprise! But is it worth the watch?
The movie picks up where Capitol-brainwashed Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) violently attacks Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) this occurrence in Part 1 broke the hearts of many on “Team Peetniss” as Peeta’s immense deterioration lead no hope for their relationship to blossom in the future. However, Part 2 brings a growth in Katniss’s relationship with the cold, hardened Gale as they work together against the corrupt Capitol (this may hit quite close to home). Despite intertwining many aspects of emotion and relationship into the movie, it doesn’t morph into a Sinhala teledrama and the large focus remains on the fighting and in this case, contrasts strongly to Part 1 which was dull and uneventful in comparison. With Mockingjay – Part 1, the only way you could really appreciate the film was if you had read the books, Mockingjay – Part 2 is the opposite; you will enjoy this film more if you have not read the books. I suppose this is to be expected as it is the end of the series. So if you were wondering if you needed to watch 1 before you watched 2, I’d give it a miss and go straight for 2.
Worth the watch?
Jennifer Lawrence truly outdid herself in portraying the “femme-warrior” persona she intended to; Her general acting was painstakingly artful in bringing out emotion and feeling and lending to the overall capture of the movies painful message. Lawrence beautifully captures the excruciating pain of Katniss’ journey, of her loneliness and heartbreak and fierce devotion to those she loves.
The director was successful in capturing the true essences of the book which fans would appreciate strongly, however at times It fast-forwards a few dramatic elements that some book fans will no doubt miss, but otherwise, the director and screenwriter keep the pace constant, even as it seems like one long, deadly obstacle course to Katniss’ inevitable showdown with the megalomaniac President Snow who reminds us a little too much about other corrupt leaders; which Sri Lankan politics is no stranger to. The Hunger games is truly worth watching if the constant adventure and tension is what is sought for, although at times this may turn nonsensical as it turns into an achcharu of violent acts one after the other.
All in all, however, this is a solid and complete final chapter for a franchise that has made young people learn about the idea of standing up for themselves and understanding how the misuse of power can make for a corrupt, violent environment. As a fan of the books, I am left satisfied, if not for how they stayed true to the book’s ending. The Hunger Games ends its run somewhat similar to Harry Potter’s in the way that it didn’t compromise the authenticity of the literary works for commercial aspects. It’s a glorious feeling that all fans will get to experience such an emotional yet genuine closure.
