Review of The Hunger Games (2012) by Tatsuhito K — 08 Nov 2015

Adapting a best-selling novel into a 2 hour-long film is never easy. Books and films are different media, therefore, it is nearly impossible to make a 100%- faithful-to-the-source-material film. I do appreciate writer-director Gary Ross' creative decisions (such as shooting it on film instead of digital), the central performance by Jennifer Lawrence is great, and it is a solidly made film overall.

So it is a shame that they decided to take out the satirical bites of the novel, the political and sociological themes that made the novel a world-wide phenomenon in the first place. But there is still a sense of dread throughout, and although the use of frenzy, dizzying shaky cam is bothersome, the action scenes are generally thrilling to watch.

The Hunger Games is an effective entertainment.