Hunger Games - Spoilers ok!

[jodifla]

The notion of children killing each other for sport is the premise of "The Hunger Games" .... the games shown in the movie and the book. Forcing the children of the districts to participate in senseless violence for entertainment is the tool that is used to display that the government in power is utterly corrupt and immoral. The main protagonists in the story are continuously faced with the decision to kill or be killed - and at times they choose to risk their own death because they refuse to kill without moral reason.

The premise of the books (and movie) however is an analysis of when is war and killing justified. Is it okay to kill for your own survival? Is it okay to kill for the survival of those you love? Is it okay to kill in revenge or retaliation? Is it okay to kill the innocent citizens of a corrupt government? When do your actions cross the line of making you no better than those you profess to hate?

Exactly! That's why so many English classes are reading it. It is designed to be this generation's "The Lottery." I listened to an author interview and she said she wrote it to get today's kids thinking.

I remember when I was in K-2nd grade being exposed to Hans Christian Anderson stories, which are often so dark. "The Little Match Girl" formed my political views in 2nd grade! Today's kids don't seem to delve into actual literature very much. "The Hunger Games" is great because it delivers a strong moral message AND is very engaging to read.

 

[wvjules]

Is anyone going to see it in IMAX? I think it would be great in IMAX.

 

[RitaE]

Hi, RitaE. Ok, one more shot here. Remember, expressing a position. Not even an opinion, because I'm not entitled to have an opinion about the series, not having read it.

Let's try it this way. I've never eaten escargot. I've been told by some of the people who have that they're very good, and by others that they pretty much taste like garlic. I like good food. I like garlic. I still won't eat escargot, because they're snails. I'd have to forget that entirely to even be able to get one into my mouth. Note, I didn't say "I don't like escargot."

I'm the same way about this series. (Just had a long discussion on Facebook about it, too, that was fun. Lots of input from all points of view.) I get that the book is written to explore the issues of corruption and abuse of power, and likely of inhumanity (on the part of the Capitol) as well. I'm just not going to reading it. Or eating escargot. If I'm missing out on either one, well... so be it. I'll cope.

I hope that the movies live up to your hopes and expectations. Y'all have a magical day!

No that's fine. It was just you seemed to be saying that everybody was loving this movie because it is some kind of young adult version of a WWE cage match to the death. That really isn't the plot of the movie or book at all.

 

[skater]

Exactly! That's why so many English classes are reading it. It is designed to be this generation's "The Lottery." I listened to an author interview and she said she wrote it to get today's kids thinking.

I remember when I was in K-2nd grade being exposed to Hans Christian Anderson stories, which are often so dark. "The Little Match Girl" formed my political views in 2nd grade! Today's kids don't seem to delve into actual literature very much. "The Hunger Games" is great because it delivers a strong moral message AND is very engaging to read.

Today's kids need to be reading a lot more. I do believe there are many many better books to assign in English class. Hunger Games should be a leisure reading choice IMO.

 

[The Orchid]

Is anyone going to see it in IMAX? I think it would be great in IMAX.

I wish we could! The nearest IMAX is nearly three hours from where I live. Too long to drive for a movie. But I agree, I think it'll be amazing in IMAX.

 

[st4rrab0vemybed]

Today's kids need to be reading a lot more. I do believe there are many many better books to assign in English class. Hunger Games should be a leisure reading choice IMO.

I actually wished they assigned books like The Hunger Games when I was in school. I used to dread the summer reading assignments, and I love to read!

 

[AryaForQueen]

Ohhhh my goshhh i am incredibly pumped !! havent gotten my midnight ticket yet, but i do intend to go. josh is ok i guess. just not how i pictured peeta lol. but that's alright- i'm more of a gale fan myself, and liam hemsworth will be just fine
SO EXCITED!
oh...and don't get me started on jennifer lawrence. to me, she is not katniss.

 

[LilyWDW]

Today's kids need to be reading a lot more. I do believe there are many many better books to assign in English class. Hunger Games should be a leisure reading choice IMO.

Like? I would really like to hear your list.

Personally, I like Hunger Games as a book for English Classes. It is a book that is interesting, has an interesting concept and plot, and brings about a good amount of discussions. I would rather them assign something like this, that the kids may actually be interested in reading and discussing, then something that won't keep their attention much.

 

[skater]

I actually wished they assigned books like The Hunger Games when I was in school. I used to dread the summer reading assignments, and I love to read!

I guess I did sound a little "prudish." I have a different philosophy on assigned books, but I know that's my opinion. Sorry for the snobbery .

 

[skater]

Like? I would really like to hear your list.

Personally, I like Hunger Games as a book for English Classes. It is a book that is interesting, has an interesting concept and plot, and brings about a good amount of discussions. I would rather them assign something like this, that the kids may actually be interested in reading and discussing, then something that won't keep their attention much.

Again, this is my opinion and I didn't mean to sound as snobby as I probably did. I guess I feel that kids will read this on their own without it being assigned. I like it when kids are challenged by books they might not pick up on their own. Books like The Diary of Anne Frank, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Call of The Wild. There are probably better ones that I can't think of at 10:00. I would hope that a kid would love to discuss Anne Frank. My 8th grader (who does not love to read at all) is excited about To Kill A Mockingbird. Now that's a great book to discuss.

 

[si-am]

Again, this is my opinion and I didn't mean to sound as snobby as I probably did. I guess I feel that kids will read this on their own without it being assigned. I like it when kids are challenged by books they might not pick up on their own. Books like The Diary of Anne Frank, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Call of The Wild. There are probably better ones that I can't think of at 10:00. I would hope that a kid would love to discuss Anne Frank. My 8th grader (who does not love to read at all) is excited about To Kill A Mockingbird. Now that's a great book to discuss.

I don't really understand what makes those books, honestly, any more appropriate to study than the Hunger Games series. They all deal with death and cruelty. They also aren't really advanced-- I think I read all of those in middle school (Where the Red Fern Grows in elementary, even.)

 

[skater]

I don't really understand what makes those books, honestly, any more appropriate to study than the Hunger Games series. They all deal with death and cruelty. They also aren't really advanced-- I think I read all of those in middle school (Where the Red Fern Grows in elementary, even.)

I agree to disagree with you on quality literature. The titles were off the top of my head late at night. I could research it further, but we'd probably still disagree . It does look like a gripping movie, and I hope everyone that's excited about it enjoys it!

 

[Eeyore98]

I don't really understand what makes those books, honestly, any more appropriate to study than the Hunger Games series. They all deal with death and cruelty. They also aren't really advanced-- I think I read all of those in middle school (Where the Red Fern Grows in elementary, even.)

Especially "Where the Red Fern Grows". Loved the crap out of it as a 9-year-old. Went back to re-read it, and HOLY COW it is sexist beyond all reason!

 

[LilyWDW]

Again, this is my opinion and I didn't mean to sound as snobby as I probably did. I guess I feel that kids will read this on their own without it being assigned. I like it when kids are challenged by books they might not pick up on their own. Books like The Diary of Anne Frank, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Call of The Wild. There are probably better ones that I can't think of at 10:00. I would hope that a kid would love to discuss Anne Frank. My 8th grader (who does not love to read at all) is excited about To Kill A Mockingbird. Now that's a great book to discuss.

While I do agree with your list (thank you by the way), I also believe that Hunger Games can have a place among them. I'm not saying throw those books out and replace them with more contemporary stories, but blend them together. I just think that, while we shouldn't get rid of the classics totally, we shouldn't be stuck in the classics totally either.

And I don't think you came off as snobby... I was just really interested in hearing the books you thought were better for an English class.

 

[Jennasis]

I think the books should be accepted reading for class projects, but not required reading. But I feel the way about a lot of great books. Sometimes, forcing something (even a really good something) on a student as "work" can make it lose it's appeal.

 

[st4rrab0vemybed]

I guess I did sound a little "prudish." I have a different philosophy on assigned books, but I know that's my opinion. Sorry for the snobbery .

Hehe, no problem. I know what you mean though.

 

[budafam]

I'm looking forward to it! I just read all 3 books in the last 2 weeks and I'll be going with DH to see the movie Saturday afternoon. Can't wait!!!

 

[skater]

Especially "Where the Red Fern Grows". Loved the crap out of it as a 9-year-old. Went back to re-read it, and HOLY COW it is sexist beyond all reason!

Wow. Now I want to re-read it. Interesting.

 

[roxysmum123]

Strictly in regards to the movie, I went to the Canadian Premiere this past Monday and saw the movie. It's AMAZING if I do say so myself. Even my boyfriend who didn't want to see it now wants to read the books. They did a very good job of the film, stayed pretty close to the books and there were only a few parts I was disappointed in though I do understand why it was done the way it was. As a long time fan of the books, I was very happy with the film. It's only PG here in Canada and they stick pretty good to that rating. I'd have no trouble bringing anyone over 12 to go see it.

 

[The Orchid]

We just got back from the midnight show. All our auditoriums were sold out. I cannot believe how many people were there tonight. I honestly think it there were more than there were when HP movies were released.

I thought the movie was amazing! As a previous poster said, it was very close to the book. Just a few minor things they left out. Most notably to me was that in the movie, Katniss seemed to not struggle as much finding water. Also, Peeta's injuries were not as severe. The violence was not terrible and I do think that it's ok for 12 year olds. I saw kids as young as 8ish there this evening.

I'm exhausted, so I will write a longer review tomorrow! Everybody should see this one. It is so good to see a movie based on a book and actually follow the book so closely.