The Hunger Games

I got to see the Hunger Games last night and the movie was awesome.  I would definitely say that it is a nearly perfect adaptation of the book.  Sure, there were differences, but none were substantive.  Each change seemed to eliminate something that was unimportant in the long run while replacing it with a scene that allowed the emotion or thought to remain.  And the less said about the whole racial controversy the better....

For those who have been living under a stone and don't know about the books, here is a quick synopsis.

At an unmentioned point in the future, North America has been divided into 12 sectors and a capitol.  There used to be 13 sectors, but there was a rebellion and the 13th Sector was destroyed.  The capitol then forced each of the other 12 Sectors to send 2 tributes; a boy and a girl; to the capitol each year to participate in the Hunger Games.  The tributes would fight and hunt each other until there was only one left.  Katniss Everdeen is the eldest child in a one parent household (her dad died in a mining accident) and on Reaping Day (the day tributes are chosen) her younger sister is chosen to be a tribute.  Katniss volunteers and heads off to the capitol with Peeta (the baker's son) to enter the Hunger Games.

Won't go any further than that because don't want to ruin the rest.  :-)

What I love about the books is that they are multi-layered.  They can be read as fiction, but also act as a commentary on our times.  The Hunger Games are broadcast for all of Panem to see and there are camera everywhere (reality tv and voyeurism).  The weak and poor are exploited by the strong and rich (need I say anything else?).  The participants in the Hunger Games (well some of them anyways) revel in the opportunity to kill others.  While our culture does not revel in literal bloodiness, we have made an art out of the figurative form via the internet and our politics.

The movie does not emphasize these themes as strongly as the books, but they are definitely present and have an impact on our characters.  Also, by going to see the movie, in a weird way, you are participating in the voyeurism that the movie/book is criticizing.  Just an interesting thought there.

If you haven't read the books, I give them my highest reccomendation.  I could not put them down once I started.  Also, go see the movie and then give it some deep thoughts.  It is worth the time.