“IF we burn, you burn with us!”
These words uttered by Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in defiance of the tyrannical President Snow (Donald Sutherland) serve as a social mantra in the third of the Hunger Games franchise, Mockingjay Part 1.
As the brave and smart heroine of Panem, Katniss is furious. Gathering her strength after surviving the recent death-defying game, she is ready to fight back.
Katniss has experienced a tumultuous ride in the first two films — The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
In the previous instalments, we learnt that District 12’s Katniss was chosen as one of the 24 “tributes” for the 74th Hunger Games, in which the contestants must fight to the death until there is only one standing.
She and fellow District 12 “tribute” Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) get to the finishing line only to break the laws set by the Capitol (Panem’s official government) for the Hunger Games: Two victors or none at all. The Capitol allows the two to be co-champions, but will not let them get away with such an act of defiance easily.
The sadistic and cold-blooded President Snow then calls for previous victors, including Katniss and Peeta, to participate in a special edition of the Hunger Games, the Third Quarter Quell. Again, Katniss goes against the rules and shatters the Games forever.
The third of the four films in the series, Mockingjay Part 1 takes on a more subdued approach as 17-year-old Katniss emotionally deals with the aftermath of the last Games.
She finds herself in District 13, believed to have been destroyed during the first rebellion against the Capitol. It turns out that its people have been taken to live underground under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore).
Katniss is approached by Coin and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman), head gamemaker for the Quarter Quell to be the face of the rebellion. Fuelled by the anger from learning that Peeta is now held captive by the Capitol, which has also destroyed her home District 12, Katniss agrees but she has her doubts.
She struggles with guilt stemming from her defiance, which has caused major devastation among the people of Panem.
Mockingjay Part 1 is all about Katniss coming to terms with the repercussions of her actions and how she learns to accept her role and responsibility in leading the rebels, as the symbolic “Mockingjay”.
Based on the last book of the Hunger Games novel trilogy by Suzanne Collins (divided into two parts), this film adaptation tries to stay faithful to the source material by taking things slow, simmering the suspense that will only be unleashed in the final film.
The level of action is almost non-existent to focus on Katniss’ emotional mess. In her words, she only wanted to save her sister Prim (by volunteering in her place for the Games) and to keep Peeta alive (events in the second movie).
When she agrees to be the “Mockingjay” — the face of the rebellion against the Capitol — she finds herself facing more emotional crisis. Her continuous sombre mood results in the film’s dark and quite depressing feel.
The film is slow-moving, making it a yawn-inducer. It is only when viewers see the degree of President Snow’s sadism that Katniss’ self-pitying, woe-me emotional mess seems balanced out.
Sutherland’s portrayal of the heartless dictator is spot-on. He doesn’t necessarily show anger in his facial expressions but there is evil in his eyes.
For those who have not read the book Mockingjay, the mystery of how far Snow will go to provoke Katniss is interesting to learn.
On the other hand, President Coin seems like a capable leader, spewing strong and inspiring words of encouragement to her people. However, Coin’s true personality isn’t explored enough to suggest that she’s an ally. Maybe there’s more to her in the final film.
The star of the film is Lawrence, for her remarkable portrayal of the young heroine. As the Mockingjay, Katniss is required to film several propaganda footage in order to invite the people of Panem to join in the cause.
In these scenes, Lawrence displays strength and conviction in her speech. Katniss’ anguish, hopelessness and fury are also extremely well-translated.
Other characters from the previous films also make an appearance, including Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and the fashionable Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), who now seeks refuge in District 13 following the event in the last film.
Mockingjay Part 1 sets the tone for the final film to be released next year, serving its role in pushing the level of anticipation among fans.
The message is now clear. “Join the Mockingjay. Join the fight.”
NOW SHOWING
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Julianne Moore, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Duration: 123 mins
Rating: 18
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