The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

With the rebellion now fully embedded in the districts of Panem, the rebels of District 13 are leading the war against the regime. Having destroyed the arena of the 75th Hunger Games, the rebels have rescued Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) with hope that she will act as the face of the rebellion – the Mockingjay. This film follows the efforts of the rebels to keep the spark alive in the face of the Capitol’s attempts to oppress this deadly rebellion.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay is the third film of the eponymous series of books by Suzanne Collins. With The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire setting Box Office records upon release, this film series has gathered itself an enormous production budget and fan-base. Bringing in stars such as Julianne Moore and Natalie Dormer to compliment the existing talent of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin and Jennifer Lawrence, this cinematic wonder doesn’t fall short in talent and visual effects.

Receiving predictable reviews from the critics disapproving of the decision to split the last book into two films, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 sets the scene perfectly for the final installment of the series, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2. However, with solid performances and a tense, dark atmosphere, this film addresses many political and ethical issues in a manner that will have you hooked for the whole two hours.

Sam Kidman