Sometimes living in the southern hemisphere has its perks. Because we're ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to big movies like The Hunger Games series little old New Zealand gets the first look! I have just finished watching Mockingjay in the cinema and WOW!
Look away now if you don't want to be spoiled!
Mockingjay isn't my personal favourite of the trilogy. As I was rereading the book I forgot how slow it was, especially part 1, but the movie was so brilliantly done and without anything major being left out that the two hours just flew by. Some people didn't understand the reason behind splitting the short book into a two part finale but it was necessary in order to keep things flowing at a good pace. If you haven't read the book i'm sorry to inform you that there is no actual Hunger Games in part three of the trilogy, but it is still darker and more emotional than the two before it.
As the story builds up to the climax in part 2 most of it is based underground in district 13 (thought to be destroyed by the capitol during the first rebellion), if we're not in district 13 we're watching Katniss explore what is left of the districts in the outside world of Panem which is facing a revolution. Almost all of the movie is exactly or close to what is in the book so fans will not be disappointed! One little thing that wasn't included (that didn't need to be in the movie but would've been nice to see) is Katniss finding her prep team locked away in district 13. There are also new scenes which are in my opinion some of the best scenes in the movie and enhance the story so well. We get a brief look at district 7 (who provide lumber) and how they fight back against the peacekeepers in two VERY epic scenes, one that also crosses over with Katniss' song 'The Hanging Tree' which will give you goosebumps!
The film ends in a similar way to Catching Fire but about three chapters into part 2 of the novel and I have to say, Josh Hutcherson does an incredible job at portraying hijacked Peeta! in fact, all of the cast both old and new do an amazing job at portraying their characters.
Who else can't wait another year for part 2?
K.
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