FILM REVIEW: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Released : 20th November 2014
Rated : 12A
Running Time: 123 mins
BBFCinsight: Moderate violence, threat
Director: Francis Lawrence
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone
The third film in the Hunger Games series, adapted from the novels by Suzanne Collins, sees Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13.
President Coin asks Katniss to step forward to be the Mockingjay leading the revolution against the Capitol. Upon realising that Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) is still alive Katniss makes conditions that before agreeing to become the Mockingjay President Coin should try to rescue Peeta at the earliest opportunity.
The Capitol becomes embroiled in a propaganda battle with Katniss, resulting in the total destruction of District 13. A mission is launched to rescue Peeta but things go so well that it’s almost as if the Capitol wanted Peeta to be rescued….
REVIEW : The film carries on well from the previous two instalments. Those who enjoyed the other two films will definitely enjoy this film. The end, although very disturbing, sets the scene well for the fourth film which is due for release in 2015.
The late Philip Seymour Hoffman is outstanding as Plutarch Heavensbee. His untimely passing is a great loss especially after finding such a great role that showed his talents off so well.
I enjoyed this film however with a 12A rating I’m not sure that some scenes, particularly those featuring hundreds of burnt corpses, would be suitable for very young children especially if viewed on a large screen.