Upon its release, The hunger Games The trilogy instantly became one of the most beloved YA series. Even today, it’s still hugely popular, as evidenced by Hunger Games’ recent revival on TikTok, which saw people reminiscing about their Hunger Games merchandise and making changes to the series. But it’s not just the books that have captured the hearts of fans, it’s also the movies.
The four Hunger Games films (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1 And Mocking Jay Part 2) were released between 2012 and 2015. The fact that they were released in quick succession should give you some idea of how successful they were. If that’s not enough to convince you, then hopefully the fact that they grossed nearly three billion dollars will.
In this article, I will explain to you why I think The hunger Games is one of the best book-to-screen adaptations out there. If you’re already a fan of the movies, read on and get your feelings across, and if not, let this article convert you!
1. Choice of cast
The main cast is made up of Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne.
Casting choice is certainly one of the things that make The hunger Games the films stand out among other screen adaptations of the book. Not only do the actors get along and have good chemistry (in an interview with Vogue, Jennifer was asked which co-stars she had the most fun with on set, and she quickly replied that it was Josh and Liam), but they’re all genuinely passionate about their roles. This not only extends to the main trio, but the rest of the cast as well.
For example, Donald Sutherland, who plays President Snow, was not offered the role; instead, he wrote a letter requesting it. In an interview with GQ, Sutherland said that “the role of the president might have one line in the script. Maybe two. It didn’t make any difference. I thought it was an incredibly important movie, and I wanted to be part of it.”
Having a passionate cast that gets along well definitely pays off. Their chemistry and zeal shines through on screen, with the roles played so well it’s hard for the audience not to be moved.
2. Stick to the books
Another aspect of the films that makes them so compelling is that, for the most part, they stay true to the books.
The same can’t always be said for other book-to-screen adaptations. For example, Tris of Divergent is described in the books as having gray-blue eyes and a large nose, attributes that the actress who interprets her does not have. Likewise, Harry Potter’s green eyes are a crucial aspect of his character, yet Daniel Radcliffe’s eyes are blue. Such details may seem insignificant, but are extremely important to fans of the books.
The hunger Games stays true to the book descriptions of the characters. For example, Katniss has the required black hair and Peeta and Prim both have the blue eyes and blonde hair described.
However, it’s not just the physical appearances that the books stay true to – the plot is also essentially the same. The films even feature direct quotes from the books, such as Cinna telling Katniss that “I’m not allowed to bet, but if I could, my money would be on you” and Katniss’ infamous statement that ” if we burn, you burn with us”. Such precision ensures that the films stay true to the central message of the book and is one of the main reasons why so many fans of the books are also fans of the films.
3. Additional Scenes
Although the films mostly stay true to the books, there are a small number of additional scenes that weren’t in the books. I would say this is one of the rare occasions when such additions improve Movies.
For example, in the book, Katniss sings “The Hanging Tree” while sitting by the lake in District 12. The film also shows her sitting by the lake, but then deviates from the book by switching to the district 5 where a rebellion occurs, while the song plays hauntingly in the background. This creates a powerful and very moving scene.
The films also provide viewers with clips from Caesar’s interviews with The Gamemakers as the game unfolds, as well as clips from President Snow’s private conversations. These are moments we don’t see in the books because they are from Katniss’ point of view, but such additions in the film are a clever way to increase the tension and make the plot more compelling.
4. Attention to detail
Many screenwriters and film directors have publicly stated how much they enjoyed both reading the books and directing the films. The films’ producer, Nina Jacobson, said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that “I was completely obsessed with it. [The Hunger Games]and I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else producing it.”
The passion of the film makers is reflected in how well thought out and detailed the films are. From the flamboyant outfits of the citizens of the Capitol to the cleverly designed arenas, the films are full of intricate detail and clever Easter eggs. Such details make movies much more enjoyable and make viewers want to watch them again and again.
On Twitter, it was even pointed out that at the Capitol party in the second film, Peeta only had three fingers painted, the same three fingers used to do the Mockingjay salute. These details demonstrate just how much attention and thought has gone into the films.
While at the Capitol Party (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Peeta only painted three of his fingers on his left hand (Pointer, Middle, and Ring) black. Meaning he was subtly doing the mockingjay salute while in the heart of the capitol pic.twitter.com/sE5g3TZglE
— Film Easter Eggs and Details (@FilmEasterEggs) November 24, 2017
5. Soundtrack
There are many factors that make movies so good, but in my opinion, its soundtrack is one of the most crucial elements.
The official companion album to The hunger Games is called “The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond”. The album features brilliant songs, such as Taylor Swift’s “Safe & Sound” featuring The Civil Wars and Maroon 5’s “Come Away to the Water” featuring Rozzi.
The soundtrack is essential in transferring the mood from the books to the movies. The songs are sometimes beautiful, sometimes haunting, sometimes strong and obvious, and sometimes subtle. The soundtrack is so good that I’m not ashamed to admit that I have a lot of songs downloaded to my phone and listen to them regularly!
I hope this article has helped you understand why I think The hunger Games is one of the best book-to-screen adaptations and has inspired you to rewatch the films. If you’re one of the few people who haven’t seen them yet, take my advice and go get them a watch! Believe me, you won’t regret it.
