The Hunger Games: My Two Cents

     I am no movie critic.  I know what I like and usually why I like it.  But I do not intend to analyze the cinematography or editing of The Hunger Games.  I would, however, like to comment on both the movie and the book, having just seen the former immediately after reading the latter.

     I have deliberately not investigated the background of either the book or the movie.  I know nothing of the author.  I have heard some talking heads on my television react to their supposed viewing of the movie, and have been privy to some conversations with friends and relatives who have experienced both.  The television folks reacted negatively to the “idea of kids killing kids.”  Friends and relatives have speculated on whether or not there is a Christian message hidden somewhere in the story.

     First, I thought it was an entertaining film.  The post-apocalyptic theme is very popular today, and this story is, I suspect, rather tame in comparison to many others.  Though it was violent (the movie was more violent than the book), it was not particularly gory.  The movie met my low expectations in relation to faithfully conveying the deeper messages found in the book.  It simply isn’t possible to adequately communicate the thoughts and feelings of any book’s characters on the big screen.  Neither is it possible to include many of the back stories and subtle interchanges found in a book in a one and a half to two hour movie version.  I expect and accept that.  That is why I try to read the books before I see the movies.

     So, was it just a movie about “kids killing kids”?  Absolutely not.  I strongly suspect the talking heads I observed on a national news program had not actually seen the entire movie.  I find it difficult to believe any thoughtful person could reach that conclusion after having watched the entire movie.

     Are there Christian messages hidden beneath the primary plot?  Of course.  The Christian message includes such things as honestly, loyalty, love, compassion, justice and redemption.  How many books or movies don’t have some part of that message?  When people claim a story has a Christian message, they often are thinking of more obvious references, like the inclusion of a Christ figure or other strongly symbolic acts or props.  The closest a character comes to being a Christ figure is Peeta, the young man who sets himself up as the sacrificial lamb for Katniss.  But this is such a common theme, it is difficult to single him out as an intentional Christ reference by the author.  I suppose some will interpret symbolic incidents like the main character’s narrow escape from the fire, as symbolic of the believer’s escape from the fires of hell.  The truth is, anybody can read into any story anything he or she wants to see.  The only real authority who can speak to this issue is the author herself.  I didn’t see any obvious intent.

     What I did see were more personal and political messages.  An oppressive government supported by an elite and privileged population keeps the masses in line and provides entertainment for its depraved devotees by forcing participation in a violent game.  The author certainly did not invent this idea.  The ancient Romans may not have invented it, either.  But they used it successfully for many years.  The oppressed find ways to subtly revolt against their oppression.  On a more personal level, a righteous (may I used the word generically?) member of the subjugated masses performs a selfless, heroic act and does her best to remain true to her values and not become like her oppressors.  Again, this is certainly not a new idea.  In keeping with the ancient Romans example, think Spartacus or Gladiator. 

     It is my belief that most, if not all, apocalyptic novels are not so much about the future as they are about the present.  The Hunger Games is no exception.  I know that I, like the rest of you, tend to project my own desires and expectations onto whatever story I read or see.  If I want to see some form of good conquering evil, or hope winning out over despair, I will.  From my point of view, the political message of The Hunger Games is a warning about allowing our government to get out of our control.  I can envision second amendment rights groups watching from their theater seats and whispering to one another, "That's what happens when you allow the government to have all the weapons."  But the more important lesson is the personal integrity message.  I need not allow others to force me to become evil in order to overcome their evil.  I have the power to remain true to my convictions while fighting against their attempts to bring me over to their darkened world.  The humanist could easily agree with this statement, yet also believe that the oppressed people have the ability to overcome personal temptations on their own, while I believe we are all fallen sinners, who are quite capable, without the help of God, of becoming one of the evil oppressors.

     In summary, I can't get too serious about the impact of this book/movie on society.  It's good entertainment that provokes a little bit of thought.  That is my opinion.  I welcome your responses.  In fact, I crave them!  I look forward to hearing from you.