It was a post-call day.
With the irresistable screenplay of The Hunger Games, plus an obvious overestimation over my energy span, there I called up sister and dad for the premiere at 10pm. a pretty reckless move!
Story is taken from the original novel by Suzanne Collins, centering on an annual national event, where boys and girls are randomly picked up from each districts as tributes, and put into a survival game where there allows only one life remains. Katniss, the 16-year old girl from District 12 volunteered for replacing her sister, enters the game and the show goes on...
Hold on a second, does it kick off something back in memory?
Yes at first glimpse I almost instantly correlates it with the unrated flesh-and-blood Japanese production Battle Royale in 2000, which was interestingly also based on an original novel on a group of high school teens force-engaged in a governmental killing programme. Having finished the book I need to say its highly tensed dramatic throughout, and it's also thrillingly dark from the beginning till the end.
So, when I was expecting a de javu experience in theatre, there I was wrong and surprised.
**SPOILER WARNING***
The Hunger Games took an exceedingly long paragraph layering the story background and layout. In fact almost half of the time was spent outside the battling arena, preparing Katniss's character and building up the dynamics within. This move may well disappoint those who enter the house anticipating fleshy actions and kills, but I reckon this as the key that distinguishes itself from its alike productions.
Truly speaking I enjoyed the first half more than the battling part, there they put in so much contrast between the distant districts and the capitol - from the color tone and languages to costumes and makeups - you can easily see the underdog situation and get attached to the character, as the young girl goes step by step towards the end, it gave you a very solidly mixed product of fear, love, perseverance and bravery. Katniss's character is also highly lovable. She was never good at expressing and talking, appeared to be well-controlled at all times, but at certain scenes when the suppressed fear and sorrow leaked, it then became so stunningly real and powerful.
On the other hand, the story loosened up a bit when it enters the arena. The plains and woods setting is great, but when dealing with life-and-death, it lacks a tiny bit of tension within. Especially on the scene where Katniss was on tree trapped by the alliance from the trained tributes, I don't see the point for them to stop shooting and go to sleep; and if I were one of them, with no second thought I would clear everyone else in their dreams - why giving up such a nice chance when I am so good at combating?
Anyhow overall The Hunger Game is decently produced and worths a premiere ticket, despite the postcall state, it kept me highly awake and engaged - though I ended up in a pretty bad nightmare hiding myself in woods with bleeding wounds.
Phew! Better not to pick the midnight session!
