When I first heard of the plot to “The Hunger Games,” I immediately thought of the Japanese cult classic movie “Battle Royale.” I loved the violence and the psychology of teens turning against one another to survive. I thought the book version of “The Hunger Games” portrayed this well, which got me excited about the movie. 

The problem with adapting YA novels such as “The Hunger Games” into movies is its necessity to cater to an array of audiences. Because of this, the movie tones down the violence and does away with the gory details that made the novel a brutal, yet entertaining read. 

In the book, Suzanne Collins describes the dystopian world and the struggles of the characters in such a way that the exposition doesn’t feel forced. We as the reader immediately picture the putrid greyness that these characters live. There’s a scene where Gale shows Katniss, the protagonist in the story, bread that he retrieved. Katniss describes it as something not to take for granted:

“It’s real bakery bread, not the flat, dense loaves we make from our grain rations. I take it in my hands, pull out the arrow, and hold the puncture in the crust to my nose, inhaling the fragrance that makes my mouth flood with saliva. Fine bread like this is for special occasions.”

The movie does a great job of showing the contrast of those living in District 12 and the flamboyant wardrobe that the Capitol citizens wear. I’m surprised that they didn’t receive an Oscar nomination for Best Costume & Design.

There is a scene when the games start, there is immediate chaos and Katniss finds herself face to face with another player fighting over a backpack. In an instant, blood splatters her face as a throwing knife stabs the other player in the back. Reading this scene immediately reminded me of the D-Day scene in “Saving Private Ryan” where the violence is quick, and you have no time to react. The way the movie portrays the Cornucopia, however, you’re keenly aware of the lack of grotesqueness, with only a small smattering of blood being shown. 

The casting is solid, with Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and Liam Helmsworth as Gale. There are also various supporting roles played by actors in high demand, including Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, and Elizabeth Banks. 

Woody Harrelson was the most memorable, playing the lone victor from District 12, Haymitch Abernathy. Harrelson perfectly portrays Haymitch as a drunk who gave up long ago in helping the District 12 contestants win the games, after losing hope of watching their deaths year after year. There is a sense of helplessness you see right away through the drunken facade. 

I recall some controversy with the character Rue, played by Amandla Stenberg, whereas there was anger over not hiring a white actress. However, the book describes Rue as having dark skin, so it was confusing how this controversy started. Then I realized that racists just needed an outlet to complain. 

Overall, I prefer the dark and brutal violence in the book that the movie refuses to portray.