Introduction to The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games series has captivated the hearts of readers and movie fans throughout the past years. In November 2023, fans can finally see the anticipated addition of the Hunger Games series on screens. "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," is the prequel to the Hunger Games Movie trilogy and is out in theaters now.
Even if you are not a Hunger Games fan and are not familiar with the original Trilogy, the prequel is a great standalone movie. Overall, the Hunger Games universe takes place in a post-apocalyptic society. Society is divided into twelve districts ruled by the wealthy and the Capitol. As punishment for past rebellions and wars, each district must send a boy and a girl ages 12-18 known as tributes to compete in a televised death game called The Hunger Games. Only one can survive while the other tributes face death.
With the original setting in mind, we delve into an enticing review of the prequel.
The Movie Plot
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes prequel to the popular Hunger Games series is set 64 years before the events of the original trilogy. During this time Panem, the city of the Hunger Games, is still struggling to regain its power after a devasting war known as "The Dark Days."
The prequel takes place during the tenth annual Hunger Games and follows the story of 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, who we later know as President Snow in the original series. Coriolanus originally lived in luxury and had hopes of attending Capitol University. However, his family’s fortune took a turn for the worse due to their participation in supporting and funding “The Dark Days.”
In the prequel, Coriolanus was chosen as a mentor for the tribute from District 12 – Lucy Gray. Being a mentor could allow Coriolanus to change his fortune in the prequel. One impressive aspect throughout the mentorship of this duo is their chemistry on the screen is amazing.
Analysis of New Characters
All the characters in the movie definitely played a vital role in enhancing the Hunger Games story and portraying the themes in movies. In this section, we will explore a few of the character's stories.
1. Coriolanus Snow is not completely new since he is President Snow in the original Hunger Games trilogy. However, in the prequel, we get to see a new side of him, his 18-year-old self before he turns into president. His character development in the movies explores his struggles that affect his future self.
2. Lucy Gray is the District 12 tribute competing in the 10th Hunger Games. Lucy Gray has an amazing musical talent and chemistry with Coriolanus during the Hunger Games which makes her captivating. When Lucy Gray is in District 12 her independent nature makes her character development an intriguing one towards the end.
3. Sejanus Plinth is a fellow student at the Academy and is one of Coriolanus's closest friends. However, after the tenth annual Hunger Games, their moral code led to him being at odds with Coriolanus'
4. The tributes: Some of the other character development of the tributes is remarkable. Especially seeing how some of them fight to survive in the arena. Some of the tributes banded together to survive. Others like Dill, Wovey, and Reaper decided to not fight. However, during the Hunger Games, there are a few scenes that definitely made our hearts tear up from the characters.
Final thoughts the Hunger Games prequel movie
Besides the plot and character development being captivating, there are definitely other aspects of the prequel that are notable.
The prequel gives an insight into how Coriolanus became the tyrannical president of Snow in the original trilogy. Some of the actions Coriolanus took in order to benefit himself and the wood scene towards the end definitely help highlight how he became the tyrannical president in the later movies.
Another aspect of the movie is that the prequel explores themes of corruption power, class struggle, and trust. We see this in various ways such as Coriolanus using power, manipulation of rules, and breaking trust in order to benefit himself. Dr. Gaul also manipulates the Hunger Games rules and uses her position for her own gain. We also witness how those in the district struggle and live in poverty and how the media portrays them before and during the Hunger Games.
The prequel of the movie definitely had an amazing impact on the fans. Fans got an insight into Coriolanus's backstory. Honestly, if you ended up falling in love with Coriolanus during the prequel, we can't blame you because Tom Blyth was an amazing portrayal of Coriolanus. Fans also went on to talk about the theory about the ending of the movie on social, which we love.
These three points are essential to note because they help add depth to the plot, action, and history of the movie. Regardless of whether you were a fan of the hunger games prior to the prequel or not this movie is a genuine masterpiece and a thrilling journey that will leave you breathless.