On Nov. 17, 2023, the long awaited Hunger Games prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” was released 13 years after the original series concluded. The award-winning dystopian series set high expectations for fans coming into the prequel. Those expectations were met for many fans, with the movie reaching over $250 million at the global box office. It captivated us through the acting, music and underlying messages about war and humanity.
Based on the prequel book released in 2020, the movie highlights the origin of President Coriolanus Snow and his role as a mentor in the 10th Hunger Games. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” gives us a look at the early development of Panem’s government, the fictional setting of the books, as they prepare for the 10th annual Hunger Games. Drawing out President Snow’s backstory, we learn more about how he became a villainous figure in the trilogy and his impact on the future of the games.
Rachel Zegler, acting as the female leading role of Lucy Gray Baird and love interest of Snow, portrayed the whimsical yet bold and resourceful attitude of her character through her facial expressions. We couldn’t look away from the screen during all eight of her songs because of the intensity and purpose with which she sang out each note. We were thrilled to hear the various songs written in the book come to life through her voice. We rode the emotional rollercoaster of this movie as if we were in the arena with the tributes, watching intently as Snow, played by Tom Blyth, alternated his demeanor from aggressive to lovestruck, showing the full characterization and personality of the character.
We believe that love interests in movies add another level to the plot, adding depth to characters’ relationships with others and conflict to the movie as a whole because of the sacrifices sometimes made. We were pleased to have a couple to root for throughout the movie, as we could in the original trilogy with Katniss and Peeta. We adored watching the mannered and ambitious capitol boy Coriolanus fall for adventurous and eccentric Lucy Gray. Their “opposites attract” trope was both unexpected and exciting.
Sejanus Plinth, played by Josh Andres Rivera, was relatable because of his monologues about humanity and justice. His words hit home, reminding us of real life situations where the helpless are caught in the crossfires of war and murdered over the conflicts between powerful leaders. The directors develop this concept throughout the film, especially with the costumes and makeup that are done to portray the tributes as inhuman and “animal-like.” Watching as the Panem government neglected the poverty filled streets of the districts for the Capitol’s own benefit is reminiscent of low-income communities and inequity between the wealthy and poor in today’s society. The film was thought-provoking, diving into human psychology and our natural response to chaos and violence.
Not only were the characters portrayed in powerful ways, but the cinematography was impressive. From the vast landscapes to the intense district scenes, every setting felt alive and immersive. With a focus on the districts’ worn out streets and the somber faces of the citizens, the cinematography conveyed the struggles that these districts faced. We can see the power imbalance within Panem and the effect of the inequity the districts faced after the war.
“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is 158 minutes of impressive cinematography, impactful character portrayals and intense emotions. The movie lives up to the high expectations of the original Hunger Games films, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. For lovers of the original series, dystopian and fantasy fanatics and overall activists, this movie will have you leaving theaters with a renewed understanding of love and human nature.
