On November 14th, we had the chance to preview The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Here’s what we thought of the film, which hits cinemas today. Beware of spoilers!
We’ve been waiting months for it, and now it’s finally here! The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes will be released in French cinemas on Wednesday 15 November 2023. As a die-hard fan of Suzanne Collins’ books and the first four films, starring Jennifer Lawrence, I had to see this prequel as a matter of urgency. I was able to preview it thanks to Metropolitan Films at Pathé. Once I’d settled in, I was instantly plunged into the heart of Panem. The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, explores the origins of the Hunger Games and the youth of President Coriolanus Snow. We jump back 60 years before the story of Katniss Everdeen.
It all begins when young Coriolanus Snow, a brilliant student at the Capitol, becomes one of the mentors for the next Hunger Games. These extremely violent games have been created to punish the rebel districts. The future President is given Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a flat in District 12. It’s at this point that events begin to unfold, and the duo are set to shatter the screen.
Rising of the Hunger Games
If I was already very excited to see Tom Blyth slip into the shoes of young Coriolanus, what a surprise it was to discover the sets of the first Hunger Games. Sixty years before the ‘sophisticated’ events in the modern arenas of the first films, the Games here are presented in a simplicity that is both raw and sober. The arena is closely inspired by Roman mythology, stripped of all artifice.
As for the scenes of violence, I found them much more brutal than in the first Hunger Games. As for the Capitol, I loved discovering everything that’s hidden there. Starting with Casca Highbottom (the inventor of the Hunger Games) and Volumnia Gaul (the High Judge of the Hunger Games). Not to mention the vintage decor, which reminds me of the 1960s. We also learn more about the rules and the politics behind the system.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Snow development
Tom Blyth plays Coriolanus Snow brilliantly. The British actor brings a great deal of emotion to this complex character. I discover that he is capable of loving madly (Lucy Gray, unsurprisingly), having doubts, feeling pain and sadness. Situations that are even hard to believe when you know he’s going to become a ruthless High Ruler. I even feel sympathy and admiration for young Coriolanus. The story of his development is well handled by screenwriter Michael Arndt. By the end of the film, I don’t see the same Snow I saw at the beginning, and that gives me the shivers.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Strong characters played by amazing actors!
Once again, I quote Michael Arndt and congratulate him on giving so much depth to the main characters. In addition to Snow, Lucy Gray’s character is just right. Rachel Zegler brings charisma and emotion to her role. Inevitably, she’s a songstress and I was captivated by every musical scene. Despite this, Tom Blyth tends to steal the show at several points. But special mention must go to Viola Davis and Peter Dinklage! I even had the impression that Casca Highbottom and Volumnia Gaul had been created especially for the two actors. A real success!
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Despite its long running time (over 2.5 hours), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes maintains a captivating pace. The prequel doesn’t simply seek to satisfy nostalgic fans, but to create a work rich in symbolism. Francis Lawrence has not hesitated to make references to his earlier films. Incredible is the final word!
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, currently playing in cinemas across France.
Follow us on Instagram