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Film Review: The Hunger Games ‘Mockingjay: Part 1’
/ November 25, 2014
Fans have been waiting, their chins trembling, and now, it’s here – The Hunger Games: ‘Mockingjay: Part 1’.
The 3rd in the franchise, (and first of the Mockingjay films) Part 1 picks up immediately where Catching Fire left off,with Katniss waking up in District 13 after she’s destroyed the Games, and District 12’s been obliterated. President Coin is attempting to convince Katniss to become the face of the revolution she inadvertently began, and the two are negotiating terms.
Mockingjay: Part 1 isn’t the most engaging of the series, and you feel sorry for it given it’s just the preamble before the real action begins in Part 2, but it highlights an interesting detail of the story we’d do well not to ignore.
Over the course of the series Katniss has been steadily unraveling the foothold of The Capitol; The entire plot of The Hunger Games is about the take-down of a governmental system that lords over the people, with no regard for their humanity, or consideration for their need. Although her motivations may have been personal, and pure, Katniss’ early decision to subvert authority became a catalyst for liberating the masses. As various Districts attach themselves to her cause, their intentions are layered on her own, and her ‘marketability’ to lead an uprising is promoted. The Mockingjay: Part 1 takes us behind the scenes into her creation as ‘a Revolutionary’.
Told what to say, combed, brushed and polished, Katniss is groomed to become the face of a movement; Every action, every passing comment – filtered through the lens of a camera; What would sell? What would cause people to feel empowered? What would compel action? Her passions and convictions aren’t considered sincerely, they’re analysed as ‘key business fundamentals’, manipulated to serve the interests of the CEO. Katniss’ desire though is to reject the pre-prepared farce (…it’s why we love her), and speak as someone real – someone who’s been through what the Districts are enduring and understands their plight. Someone true, someone strong.
It’s an attribute we see in the ultimate revolutionary, Jesus Christ. His image is used to push a whole lot of product -some legitimate some not – but at the core of His leadership is an intention to freely offer forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. His is a revolution of love and societal upheaval that started when God became a man. Placing himself into the world of humanity and sharing our struggle. Overcoming its powers Hebrews reminds us in 4:15-16 (MSG) that “We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. [We can] walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”
The Hunger Games ‘Mockingjay: Part 1’ doesn’t have all the thrills of the first two films, but causes us to consider how the people we follow are framed, and the consequences of the revolutions we embrace. Our daily decisions are questioned, and we’re given pause to think on who lives, who dies, and what role are we prepared to play in their experience.
5.5/10
High point: Woody Harrelson. …and when Gale gets a few lines and changes his facial expression.
Low point: President Coin’s hair (yes, that’s what held my attention the most).
Best digested with: Brussels sprouts, as you wait to move to meatballs on the other side of the plate.
