Some have dismissed ‘The Hunger Games’ as another film for the teen masses. But this no ‘Twilight Saga’, nor is it a cheap copy of ‘Battle Royale’ as some have claimed. The film is fantastic and original. Its message is important. It is an absolute must watch for all (although I was a little surprised at the lowly 12A rating).

Set in the future, every year the Capitol randomly selects a boy and girl  from the surrounding twelve districts to fight to the death on live television in a tournament known as ‘The Hunger Games’. The games are a reminder of a rebellion the districts took part in against the Capitol 75 years earlier.

When I first read the summary I was worried the plot would be a little far fetched. I always want films to be believable. I shouldn’t have worried. The film takes itself seriously. At no point does it feel overly fantastical or unrealistic, in fact it does a very good job of feeling real. We should not forget that it is not so long ago in our history that these sorts of events existed, and people did fight each other to the death for others entertainment.

Unlike ‘Battle Royale’ there is a long build up to the actual tournament itself, and it is this which makes the film work so well.

The focus is on the horrific perversity of the whole event. Competitors are taken from the starving poverty of their districts to a world of opulence. As an extra dynamic to the contest the competitors are forced to try and gain sponsors in the lead up to the event by going on chat shows and doing well in test events. Sponsors help during the event will be vital if they want to have any chance of winning. The whole process is brilliantly sickening.

Unlike ‘Battle Royale’ most of the focus is on a single lead character ‘Katniss Everdeen’ who is played superbly by the brilliant Jennifer Lawrence. She is ably supported by a very strong cast.

All in all a superb film. Probably the film of the year and a must see. 9/10