The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

What's it about? Part 3 in what will be a 4-part film series, based on The Hunger Games trilogy. Dystopian Young Adult Fiction. The Hunger Games take place in a future where the US has been ravaged by war and hardship and is now renamed "Panem", separated into the haves (in the Capitol) and the have nots, who live in a series of Districts, where they labour and toil for the good of the Capitol-dwelling wealthy elite. Children are chosen from each district to fight to the death in a deadly arena, all for the Capitol's entertainment and Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) has competed in those Hunger Games across the first two films. As we catch up with her in Mockingjay Part 1, we transition into a very different type of film. No longer concerning ourselves with arena warfare, we are now in the realms of political machinations, propaganda, control of the airwaves and the battle for the hearts and minds of people. Katniss is not sure if she wants to be a propaganda puppet, but as she sees the brutality inflicted by the Capitol, her position changes and her resolve hardens.

What's it like? Not as effective as the first two films, but definitely worthwhile for fans of the franchise. If you haven't seen the first two films, you are unlikely to start here, but if you've come this far, there is much to enjoy. Much less action-packed but just as thought-provoking, Mockingjay Part 1 confronts us with inequality of power, a yearning to be free and the grey areas occupied by propaganda wars. Jennifer Lawrence continues to carry the franchise on her back through another effective, subtle and nuanced performance, at once brittle, resolute, toughened and tender. A seemingly irreconcilable bundle of contradictions effortlessly held together by a young actress of phenomenal ability. The late great Philip Seymour Hoffman and an always-reliable Julianne Moore give great support and if some of he rest of the cast don't make quite such an impact, the overall effect of the film is engaging.

Should I see it? It's not quite a "must-see" and for my youngest it wasn't as interesting as the previous two films. There are a few scenes of injured people that won't go down well with younger more delicate children, but the scenes are far from gratuitous, showing the impact of a brutal regime and giving rise to a righteous anger on the part of Katniss. Consider carefully what you consider suitable for your children , but otherwise enjoy the ensuing conversations about politics, class struggles and control of the airwaves!