"The Hunger Games" Fim Analysis: a Possible Revolution of the Future

The 2012 film adaptation of the Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, is a post-apocalyptic tale about the country of Panem. Panem is divided into 13 main sectors: districts one through twelve, and the Capitol. There is a distinct hierarchy within the country which is enforced through the annual ‘Hunger Games’ – an event in which two ‘tributes’ from each district are chosen to fight to the death both for the Capitol’s entertainment, and more subtly to establish control and a hierarchy over the 12 districts. The film revolves around the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, and the way she ‘plays the game’ in order to spark a revolution against the Capitol. In this way, this “Hunger Games” film analysis essay seeks to analyse and see what a revolution of the future could look like.

Much of the revolution stems from the economic and social inequality, and the controlling political system. The film opens by displaying words from ‘The Treaty of Treason’, outlining the events of the Hunger Games and stating that it is “penance for their uprising”. This is followed by Seneca Crane, a citizen of the Capitol, saying that while it was once a punishment, the Games are now something that “knits [Panem] altogether”. This informs the audience that the structure of the society at the present time was shaped by a previous rebellion and shows the nature of the Capitol to view the Games as fun and entertainment. Setting up the Capitol’s view so early on prompts the audience to feel anger and disbelief as they see the horrifying reality of the lives of the tributes, particularly those in District 12 (Katniss’ home), so as the story continues and the signs of a revolution become apparent, the viewers understand where the anger and desire to revolt stems from. The introduction of Katniss and her family living in poverty can be seen as the first stages of the revolution: an unrest and disagreement with the current social and political system. This develops into a secondary, more active stage of protest at the end of the film, after Katniss having seen the Capitol and been directly exploited by its ways is the match that ultimately sparks the revolution. Her and Peeta Mellark’s display of a double suicide forces the Capitol, which relies heavily on rewarding the victors, to accept both as winners, and thus is the first demonstration to actively disrupt the government.

Katniss Everdeen is shown to be the unofficial leader of this revolution, mostly through her actions. From the very beginning, when she volunteers to take her sister’s place in the Games, she establishes herself as a powerful figure and as the film progresses her influence on the rest of the districts is shown. A key symbol of this is the three-fingered salute. It is first shown as a gesture of admiration by District 12 before Katniss departs to the Capitol. The audience was asked to applaud, but instead delivered this salute. The next occurrence of this is when Rue, a young tribute from District 11, is killed, and Katniss does the salute to honour her. Seeing this, an uprising is sparked in District 11, triggered by that single salute. This gesture can be used as an example of revolutionary symbols, such as the raised fist for Black Power in the 1960s. This shows that, while elements such as environment and time have changed drastically compared to what we know now, the idea of a revolutionary symbol remains consistent – even in a post-apocalyptic world. Other examples of small actions Katniss made include her dress bursting into flame – making District 12, and more importantly herself, stand out amongst everyone else – and, of course, the prepared double suicide with Peeta at the end of the Games. All these actions, while small, built a profile for Katniss and her District, and both fire and the three-fingered salute continued on to be monumental symbols in the revolution against the capitol.

The Hunger Games film offers an accurate vision on what a revolution could look like, particularly in a post-apocalyptic future. The storyline includes every aspect that makes up a revolution such as long-term and short-term triggers, revolutionary leaders, and revolutionary symbols. It shows that even as time passes, the essence of a revolution remains the same; a fight to change injustice.