A review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2
It’s been three years since the release of the first film in the trilogy, and just last week on the 20th November 2015, the “epic conclusion” came to cinemas here in the UK.
The story takes place in the future, in the dystopian nation of Panem, a country ruled by the wealthy Capitol and home to twelve poorer districts. For years now, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) of the Capitol has forced children from the districts to fight to death on live television, naming it the annual ‘Hunger Games’.
The protagonist of the books written by Suzanne Collins is 16-year old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), who has now become the leader of the rebellion against the Capitol; the face fighting for justice; the Mockingjay.
After speaking to several of the people who went to see the movie this month, many of them commented on how the film was a lot better in comparison with Mockingjay – Part 1. One woman said, “I’m glad the film was as action-packed as the first two movies. The first half of Mockingjay was unsatisfying, but I guess it was all leading up to this.” It seems that splitting the third instalment into two movies would inevitably cause pacing problems.
Regardless of whether you’ve read the books or not, the movie is definitely worth your time. Despite the fight between the Capitol and the rebels evolving into war, President Snow still treats the conflict as a game, with a new and unexpected arena – the Capitol itself. The booby-trapped battlefields are the death place of some of our well-loved characters whilst Katniss is left to decide with whom her loyalties lay. The film is also home to some unpredictable plot twists and character developments so make sure to see it whilst it’s still on the big screens.
By Tabassum Malik, Newstead Wood School
