The Hunger Games Movie from a Fan's Perspective

In this post, let me share to you my views on the Hunger Games movie. I'm a huge fan of the book and the story behind it and if you want to know my review on the Hunger Games (released March 23, 2012), you may read this. But if you have not seen the movie, I'm warning you there are lots of spoilers ahead.

Since it is an adaptation, I think it is just wise to compare the book and the movie - including what were omitted from the book or what has been added to the film.

Mockingjay Pin and Madge

First off, the most important symbol of the movie - the mockingjay pin. Madge Undersee, the mayor's daughter of District 12, was not featured in the movie. Madge, by the way, was the one who gave the pin to Katniss after the latter volunteered to take the Games instead of her sister. In the movie, Katniss got the mockingjay pin from the Hob. It is unclear if the lady selling the pin was Graesy Sae or not. Then she gave it to her sister Prim to protect her because she was having nightmares that she will be picked in the Reaping. After Katniss volunteered to take her sister's place, Prim gave the mockingjay pin back to her.

Katniss giving the mockingjay pin to Prim

My thoughts?

Lots of fans were already disappointed with not including Madge in the movie - not me. However, I was dissapointed to know that Katniss got the mockingjay pin from the Hob, I mean not from someone who matters most to her. Before I watched the movie, I really have this idea in mind that maybe the mockingjay pin was given by her father before he died in the mine accident. In case you don't know, Katniss and her father have a strong bond, he taught her how to hunt, how to swim, and how to gather edible plants for food. I was hoping that the mockingjay pin was a district symbol way back her father's time not that she have to buy it from the Hob.

District 12, the Song, and Buttercup!

The first few scenes in the beginning of the film would really show you more on District 12 and Katniss and Gale's bond in the woods - not to mention Gale's hatred at the Capitol. There was chemistry. I'm not really in favor of the Katniss and Gale romance, my vote goes to Peeta - all the way! Well, we can't really see much Gale in the first movie, we need to wait for the sequel "Catching Fire." Liam is the perfect Gale and his really good in hiding his Aussie accent! Good job Liam.

District 12

Katniss and Gale in the Woods

Buttercup in the movie wasn't as ugly as what was stated in the book! Well, I guess it's quite hard to find a cat who will fit the description. They might be sued by animal activists if they will alter a cat just to make look like what was on the book. I think CG effects wouldn't help either. Anyway, it is not really important to get the perfect Buttercup description, as long as the cat is in the movie, it is great. Buttercup will have a big role in the third book - Mockingjay.

The Reaping and Farewell

The reaping and the farewell scenes were really emotional and I was touched. All my cheers to Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, and Billy Ray for the scriptwriting and direction. I was really moved during the farewell scene - the one after the Reaping. The actors totally hit it off - bringing our favorite characters to life. By the way, for those who haven't read the books, there were four batches of visits before Katniss was brought to the Tribute train. The batches include Katniss' mom and Prim, Gale, Madge, and then Peeta's father. In this visit, Madge gave the mockingjay pin to Katniss as a symbol of their district. The pin was originally owned by Maysilee, a former District 12 tribute during the 50th Quarter Quell- the one that was won by Haymitch Abernathy. In the movie, the visits were only from Prim and her mom and another one from Gale.

Katniss hugs Prims at the Reaping

Gale says his farewell to Katniss

The Bread Scene

The bread scene was told in several flash backs, which is kind of confusing for those who weren't able to read the book. It wasn't really told properly and Peeta only said something about it in the cave. He said something like he should have walk into the rain and give the bread to Katniss properly and not just to toss it. Correct me if wrong. That's just it, I wish there were some sort of deeper conversation about the bread and how Peeta saved Katniss and her family from starvation. That scene is important since it can give a lot of value to Peeta's character - he's not just Katniss' co-tribute in the Games or someone who has crush on her but someone who have given her a new life and hope. There won't be any Katniss to volunteer for her sister if Peeta didn't gave the burned bread.

Peeta in the Bread Scene

Katniss in the Bread Scene

The Tribute Parade, the Girl and Boy on Fire

When I saw the fire behind Katniss and Peeta, I have chills. The scene was spectacular, perfect! Although I was quite confused how Katniss got the rose - I know lots of Capitol citizens threw something to the passing chariots especially for District 12. As far as I could remember the audience were quite far from the road where the chariots pass so it might have been impossible to throw the rose with that distance. Anyway, it's a small thing though. 

Katniss, the girl on fire

Gamemakers and the Control Room

I just have some question about the Gamemakers' costume at the Training Center and the Control Room. In the Control Room, they all dressed in white (except for Seneca, the head gamemaker) but in the Training Center they all have those colorful wigs, beards, etc. Since they are from the Capitol, aren't they supposed to be wearing those grandeur costume in the Control Room? You know for consistency. 

the gamemakers at the Training Center

The Gamemakers and the Control Room

The technology in Control Room is amazing. We can have a clearer view on how the gamemakers control everything in the arena. Wes Bentley did the job well for Seneca.

Rooftop Scene (Peeta and Katniss) and Katniss' Private Session

Perfect! Nothing much to say. Those stares, you gotta love them. With the private session, it was fantastic! You should see Seneca's face.

Katniss and Peeta at the rooftop

Jennifer Lawrence, the perfect Katniss

The Training Center

I've never seen any Gauntlet scene! I get to watch a lot of behind the scenes videos and I've seen the Gauntlet in there! How come they never included it in the movie? I've never seen Katniss jumping as what I've seen on the trailers. 

I love it when they added a scene that shows how arrogant Cato when his knife was stolen. Gary Ross was amazing to show the tension between Cato and Katniss in the Training Center.

the tributes in the Training Center

The Careers - Cato/Glimmer's "cuddling"

Clove and Cato were definitely the Careers you don't want to mess up with. They are good in their weapon of choice (knives for Clove and sword for Cato). They were portrayed in the movie perfectly. Marvel's kind of weak in the movie, I was expecting a tougher one since he's a Career.

There was some sort of cuddling between Cato and Glimmer in the movie. I think the actors did brought that sort of "cuddle" off cam since Alexander Ludwig (Cato) and Leven Rambin (Glimmer) were seen kissing somewhere in Hollywood. I think they have chosen Glimmer and Cato since the one who plays Clove is very young for Alexander Ludwig. Don't even mention the height difference, they will look like brother and sister. There were already Cato/Clove shippers even before the movie or the casting, so I guess they were quite disappointed that there weren't any Cato/Clove moments in the film. 

The Interview, Caesar Flickerman and Claudius Templesmith

Stanley Tucci can be like the next Ryan Seacreast with his portrayal of Caesar Flickerman. Look at that smile and gesture Caeasar, you're such an epic!

Caesar Flickerman

I was just a little worried with Katniss' twirls in the interview. I think she twirled for several times and if I was the one doing that, I would have fell. LOL. Anyway, the dress was great! I super love it! Peeta's dress was a great pair to Katniss', so amazing.

Caesar Flickerman and Peeta

Caesar interviewing Katniss

Josh Hutcherson, you will be the only Peeta I know. I have a much clearer view of Peeta in you during the interview! 

Peeta Mellark

It was such a nice thing to have Caesar and Claudius giving trivia or information about what is happening in the arena. They will give the non-readers a clearer view on the arena, the creatures, and the movement of the tributes.

Claudius Templesmith

Cinna and the Prep Team

Lenny Kravitz, you're the only Cinna in the world! Portia was there but I just couldn't feel her presence that much. I wish she have said something, even just a little. You know just to let people know that she is Peeta's stylist.

Cinna

Portia

The Bloodbath and the Cornucopia

I have to admit it, I have goosebumps when I saw the young tributes killing each other in the bloodbath. It is really not normal to see such scene. The scene is not as brutal and I think it was just right to have it rated PG-13. The people behind the movie make it sure that the movie is not just about killing, it's about survival and fighting for your life. 

the tributes at the Cornucopia

By the way, I didn't like how the Cornucopia appeared in the movie. It was like an incomplete helicopter (without the head and the blades). I was hoping it was gold or yellowish in color. It doesn't look like a horn.

the Career's supply burning into pieces near the Cornucopia

The Fireball and Tracker Jacker Scenes

I love them both! I really can feel the pain when Katniss was burned. You can feel her agony and Jennifer Lawrence - you're such a great actress! I won't be surprised if you will be nominated again at the OSCARS for this role. For sure! The tracker jacker scene was also perfect. The hallucination scene - showing the death of Katniss' father and its effect on her mother - was great!

Katniss fell down from avoiding the fire

Rue's Death and District 11's Rage

I was expecting to see a scene where Katniss hunts and Rue gathers edible plants - you know just to see their relationship in the arena. I was not really moved when Rue died on the spot, honestly. I was moved with Katniss' emotion and how the people at District 11 raged after Rue died. The background music can move you.  The rage in 11 wasn't really stated in the book. It was more emphasized in Catching Fire. I think it is a great way to prepare the first movie to the second. Just to let the people know how the rebellion started.

Katniss and Rue in the arena

When Katniss Found Peeta and The Cave

Honestly, I was expecting to hear the line "Do you come to finish me off, sweetheart?" But of course it wasn't included in the script! I loved that line in the book and I wish it was in the film. 

Katniss kisses Peeta at the cave

The cave scene happens so fast. I was expecting more like a deeper conversation between Katniss and Peeta. This would have been a perfect spot to talk about the burned bread.  Oh and also about the "guy competition in 12" thing. You know when Peeta was talking about Gale and Katniss replied that there aren't any competition. It is funny to insert clips of Gale when Katniss and Peeta kiss. It was a great point to see what would Gale's reactions to those scenes.

Katniss and Peeta kiss

The Feast

I super love the fight scene between Katniss and Clove. Both Jennifer Lawrence and Isabelle Fuhrman were totally amazing in it. Isabelle, you're such a great villain. I've never seen your movie "Orphan" but I heard you did a great job in it. You did it well too in the Hunger Games. Thresh was okay. Dayo was well enough to portray Thresh - a big man. I was hoping I could see some glimpses on how Thresh was killed by Cato in the movie.

The Mutts, Cato versus Katniss/Peeta

The mutss look like apes. LOL. Really, when I first saw them, I remembered my Biology class - the evolution of man. I was hoping they look like wolves. 

When Cato was covered in blood and got Peeta in hand, I didn't know if I want him dead or not. I pitied him and I'm sorry for him. Alexander Ludwig, great acting in there dude!

The Nightlock Scene/Going Back to 12

I just find it funny when Peeta touched Katniss' hair before eating the nightlock. I mean, what? He could have touched her face and stared at her eyes, not her hair! Oh and yeah, I felt Peeta's disappointment when Katniss said that she would try to forget what has happened in the arena (including their "star-crossed lovers moments"). Also, when Peeta saw Katniss smiling at Gale. By the way, Katniss didn't clearly say that what had happened between her and Peeta was for the Games only.

Peeta and Katniss in the nightlock scene

Added Scenes

As far as I could remember, there were just three prominent scenes that were added on the film (not to mention the Gamemakers' control room, when Haymitch saw young Capitol citizens mimicking what they saw in the Games, Seneca's death, and President Snow at the end). They include:

- Caesar's interview with Seneca
- Conversation between President Snow and Seneca (I think two different scenes after Katniss' private session and before changing the Games' rules)
- Conversation between Haymitch and Seneca

I was just surprised to see Haymitch entering the control Room. Well, with respect to the real life game (any sort of competition), mentors should not come inside the control room, right? I was hoping Caesar would have brought up the "young love" thing with the Capitol audience, not Haymitch.

Oh sorry I forgot Foxface. Jacqueline Emerson, you are perfect in playing Foxface. Even if you are not saying a lot of lines, I felt your fear when you bumped with Katniss. Good job.

All in all, I was happy with the adaptation of the Hunger Games. It stayed true to the book and the added scenes gave a clearer view of the story to the audience - readers or nonreaders.  I couldn't imagine other actors playing the characters in the movie, be it Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Prim, Caesar, Seneca, Haymitch, Effie, Rue, Cato, Clove, etc. They are all perfect!

Remember, when someone asks you what Hunger Games is all about, you should say, the movie is about survival and how to remain true to yourself. It's about a young girl named Katniss Everdeen who would do everything even embracing death just for her sister. How she found friends and how she became strong for her loved ones.

Thank you Suzanne Collins for sharing this story to us. Thank you Gary Ross for creating a film like we are reading the book. Thanks for all the cast who have portrayed their parts well, especially Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Willow Shields, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, Alexander Ludwig, Isabelle Fuhrman, etc. By the way, thank you Haymitch and Effie for making us laugh with your jokes in the movie. And for you who's reading this at the moment, thank you for reading my review. If you have something to say, feel free to comment below.