There were accusation that the story reminded many about Battle Royale, a Japanese novel which made into 2 movies, and 2 series of manga. As much as Suzanne Collins deny having even heard of Battle Royale, the similarities were so uncanny that even the blind could see the similar theme.
Second, my wife basically follows the novel (Hunger Games, not Battle Royale) and was so impress with it that basically I could not escape following her into the cinema. At the time I am writing this blog, she is mid way into the third and final novel of the series.
There was one mistake, my wife told me much details of Hunger even before I enter the cinema. Even I could appreciate more of the show, I was rather disappointed how great the movie could be.
The story is rather nice. The whole nation had fallen into a communist type of state, control by the central Capitol. Each district is assigned to work for the government at certain specialty. For example, district 12 where the heroine originated, is basically a mining district. A rebellion had been attempted in the past, however, failed. The hunger games was started to remind the people of the rebellion, basically giving them hope and crushing them at the same time. The hunger game is a cruel reality show where by all district send in a pair of boy and girl and they all fight to the death until "there shall be only one!" (Highlanders in sight). Katniss, the heroine volunteer in place of her small sister when she was selected in a random vote. With Peeta, the other boy, they enter the competition and acted as a pair of lovers to win "sponsors" to support them in the games. They emerge winner as a pair, and in the process angered the government because refuse to fight each other to the death. End of movie 1.
Acting from Jennifer Lawrence is really good. So believable that she actually carries the show. Josh Hutcherson as Peeta is rather good too. The chemistry among the 2 is not so believable though...maybe that was me since I knew *spoiler* that Katniss was sort of faking it in the story. Woody Harrelson is forever good in whatever role he played.
Script is nice, the build up to the game is really good, that the moment before the games start really had me on the edge of my seat. How Katniss actually shake in anticipation, now that is a scene to behold. However, the games itself was sort of a letdown. Since I knew more from the novel, the movie version is rather watered down and so tame. Rather sterile instead, and lack the adrenaline rush. Ending was bit abrupt also which did not justify the great first half.
Action? Do not expect much here, am not sure whether the censorship board did much or not, but the action in the movie left me rather disappointed. Never mind.
It could have been a great movie judging from the story of the book. It turn out to be bit let down. First half was great, til the start of the games. It could have been a flop, but acting was so believable that it turn out to be a good movie.
ratings: 3 half poink!
comments: I may be bias, being sort of fan of Battle Royale. But if we think about it, arent we all the same. We all cheer when contestant bitch to each other and get voted out in any reality show? We all watch the reality show for the sadistic moment rather than finding the true talent/ voice/ idol .....?
