The Hunger Games

In the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, 12 districts exist, each providing valuable resources to the survival of the entire nation. In penance for their uprising and as a form of intimidation, each year, districts must offer up two teenage tributes to play in the Capitol’s special game: The Hunger Games. For Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a family’s worst nightmare is realized when her sister, Primrose Everdeen (Willow Shields), is selected to represent District 12 at the 74th Hunger Game. In such a situation, Katniss never thinks twice before offering herself in her sister’s place, a decision that will surely lead to her death.

Based on the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins, Gary Ross brings to life the surreal and bizarre world of Panem, from the vibrance and colour of the Capitol, to the squalor of the outlying districts. Jennifer Lawrence, thanks to an outstanding performance in this movie and an equally as impressive off-screen personality, has become a sensation overnight. Cast alongside Josh Hutcherson, Lionsgate continue to lead the way in bringing new stars to the forefront of the movie industry.

Even a year and a half after initial release, you can again follow this epic adventure as Katniss plunges from the peaceful world of District 12 and into an all-out battle to the death. Watch as friendships blossom in this unlikely environment, proving that the Capitol, while morally suspect, can never truly take away from human compassion. May the odds be ever in her favour.

Sam Kidman

Would you sacrifice your life for your little sister?

This is the choice 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen faces when her 12-year-old sister is selected to take part in the annual Hunger Games. Far from a friendly sporting competition, the Games are a brutal fight to the death, into which 24 are entered but only one can come out. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence, X-Men: First Class, Winter’s Bone) volunteers her own life in the place of her sister’s and is swept from the poverty of District 12 to the opulence of the Capitol, before being thrust into the violence of the Arena; every one of her actions broadcast live to a whole nation.

Alongside Katniss, as she struggles to return home alive, are the gentle Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson); the 12-year-old Rue; the cunning Foxface; the monstrous Cato, who has trained for the Games for all his life, and 19 other competitors hungry for Katniss’ blood. The skills she has been forced to learn to feed her family will now be used to hunt entirely different fare.

The compelling and terrifying world created by Suzanne Collins in the best-selling books is finally brought to the big screen by director Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Sea Biscuit) in a bombastic and faithful retelling. Jennifer Lawrence is compelling as the hawk-eyed heroine, Katniss, comfortably leading a sublime cast. Capturing both the action of the book and the deeper, social commentary, the film explores not just the induced brutality of those forced to play the Games but the brutality of the society that forces them to play it; constantly questioning the morality of a world in which the rich have everything while the poor are forced to die for the rich’s entertainment, The Hunger Games is far more than your average blockbuster.

Clarissa Gillingham