The Hunger Games, A Movie Review

I asked my wife, “How did you like the movie?” Her response, “Not so much.” We had just seen The Hunger Games at the Thoroughbred 20 and were now going to dinner. “Why?” I asked. “It was a little too dark for me. There was a lot of dying in it.” Perhaps what gave her the most unsettling of feelings was the fact that in the movie people enjoyed the spectacle of “the games.” How could people enjoy games that resulted in so many young men and women dying? How could they find this entertaining? The fictional Nation of Panem must be deprived. The were sick. How could President Snow (Donald Sutherland), its “wise” leader, engineer these games? But on the other hand, the movie going audience identified with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), the main figure in the story. And the inhabitants, or more accurately, her family who lived in District 12 feared for her. Neither she nor they relished in dying in what were described as “The Hunger Games.”

My wife is right. There was considerable violence and death in the tale and yet on the other hand it was a story of hope and gratitude. Katniss survived against all odds. She was an underdog, representing her district, an uncultured region of the Panem. Yes, others came along side her and were instrumental in her success, but in the long run, she was the one (her and Peeta) that overcame the most. She was from an impoverished area, lacking training, education, skills and wealth. Because of the privileges she lacked, she became the ultimate champion. I could see the “dark” in it and celebrate Katniss and her victory at the same time. I could see it both ways. The Hunger Games was provocative. Is it futuristic?

Reflecting more on the movie, I am reminded of several historical times.

It just so happened that a month or so ago I was in Belize and had gone to the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. At Xunantunich the site-guide told us about the Mayan Ball games that used to be played on long, narrow courts between walls that sloped inward. The game was played in teams with a rubber ball a little larger than a baseball. Players, without using their hands would try to get the ball through vertical rings (or hoops) hung on the sides of the court above their heads.  Our guide told us the young players were skilled, fit, and perfect in nearly every way. The winners of the games were selected for the honor of being sacrificed to their god. [Note: Some sources believe winners were treated like heros and the losers were sacrificed.] What was significant was that the Mayans believed that such sacrifices were necessary to appease the gods so that they would provide good crops and health to the people.

My thought was, “Why would anyone want to “win” a Mayan ball game?” As with The Hunger Games, the players (or “tributes”) may not have wanted to be their district’s representative. Yes, Katniss volunteered, but only to spare her sister from certain death. (That should get you thinking.)


The fact that the Mayan ball game is thought to have developed before 1400 BCE is notable. This was long before any western influence in the Americas.

Another thought familiar to me is found Jewish and Christian scripture. It celebrates David, the son of Jesse who slayed Goliath, the Philistine giant. It is essentially the story of a young boy, representing the nation of Israel, who volunteers to take on the giant of the Philistines. David, using unconventional means, takes the giant to win the battle for Israel. Of course, it is David’s faith in God that God will take care of him in this battle that sustains him. He becomes a national war hero.


Perhaps the notion where individuals would confront wild animals, criminals and the socially marginalized for the entertainment of audiences came at the height of the Roman Empire. In these games Gladiators would show audiences how to fight and die well. The so-called gladiator games reached their peak between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE. It is this aspect depicted in The Hunger Audiences I suspect is the most deplorable. To enjoy such cruelty and call it “sport” epitomizes depravity.


The notion that some group, tribe or national representative becomes that group’s “champion” is not recent. In fact, it has been around a long, long time, and was/is common in many cultures.


The tradition of a champion, or a national representative occurs throughout history. War in this day and time has an element of that notion. Young men and women go to war, representing their district or homeland. They serve and honor us. They defend us in that way. They are our best and finest. Because they are our people we do not take delight in their deaths.


In reviewing history you may have concluded that the tradition of sacrifices has taken many forms. In some cultures, to use the term employed in The Hunger Games, the “tribute,” or representative dies because they have to satisfy or appease the demands of the tribe, the district, the nation or god. In others, the tribute is the victor, over-coming everything against all odds.


This is the most interesting of weeks. For believing Christians it is called “Passion Week.” Emotions are mixed. Should we celebrate the victory that is ours because our Champion overcomes death? Or should we mourn the one who suffered and died for us? He didn’t want to die and didn’t deserve it. Like The Hunger Games, we may be confused in our response.


The people of District 12 were proud. Katniss, their tribute had triumphed over huge odds. She was the victor. The 74th Hunger Games gave remembrance to the cruelty of war while at the same time celebrated it’s final triumph.


Is it a great movie? It appears to me the movie hopes we think our society’s future with respect to how we deal with human conflict and the solutions we pursue as we move forward. Strategic solutions work a bit like Congress, both parties parlaying empty positions to achieve a different result, and then surprised by what’s obtained. In other words, the future with respect to conflict resolution is uncertain. That said, we must be careful to respect and honor life.


Perhaps the larger question for us, “Has God already won the battle and the choice of our future is ours to be made?”

Scripture:

I Samuel 17.4-10 – David, Son of Jesse became the Champion of Israel and defeated Goliath, the Philistine giant.

Isaiah 53.5 – The Old Testament Isaiah wrote even before Christ was born that the wounds suffered by God’s servant would lead to the healing that we today serve Him and have life.

Luke 2.11 – Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.

Matthew 26. 2 – The Son of Man will be crucified (for the sins of us all).

Luke 21.19 – This is my body given for you.

Luke 23.13-24 – The people demanded that Jesus be killed.

Mark 15.34 – In agony Jesus cried out, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” He was to die a horrible, lonely death.

Romans 4.25 – Jesus was delivered to die for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Ephesians 5. 23 – Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

Colossians 1.27-29 – Christ (his transforming power) is in us and is our hope of glory.