Review: The Hunger Games and Nationality.

The Hunger Games brings to life the best selling book series by Suzanne Collins and creates an intense survival film and arguably one of the best films of 2012.

The Hunger Games follows the story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) who voluntarily takes part in the 74th annual Hunger Games in which 24 children from the districts of Panem fight to the death for everyone to see. The film is all-consuming and emotional right from the out set and all the elements of this film work perfectly in sync to deliver an overwhelming sensory experience.

One of the things The Hunger Games does perfectly is use contrasting landscapes and places to really bring out the underlining themes of poverty and unrest within and between the 12 districts and the Capitol. Within the opening sequences there is a stark contrast between the initial interview scene with its vivid, almost unnatural colours to the grim, monochromatic state of Katniss' district (district 12).

As well as building detailed and insightful sets The Hunger Games cleverly uses costumes to reinforce these differences. While the Capitol citizens dress extravagantly, and you could argue futuristically, the district citizens look like an army of greys and simplicity which intensifies the differences between these people. Although the districts and the capitol are supposed to be one entire nationality the way the film is shot as well as the costumes and settings, for me, places them as polar opposites and creating split nationalities and identities within the nation of Panem.

By perfecting all these aspects of the film from costume to set design I feel that director Gary Ross has been able to create a beautiful and striking visual that builds several layers to the narrative. The film is a beautiful example of how elements of a film when well done can highlight deeper meanings and themes, and what's great about this film is that it's true to the themes in the original book.

I think The Hunger Games is a thought provoking film and was everything I wanted and expected. The way the film puts a modern interpretation on the theme of national identity is both clever and creative. I love how this modern interpretation of a classic theme is both thought provoking and a key element to constructing the film that can't be ignored. The Hunger Games is a deep and powerful film that has set up strong themes, characters and a fantastic plot that's an unforgettable start to this film trilogy.

What district do you think you would belong to, or would you be a capitol citizen?

Emma