Why Are We Still Hungry for the Hunger Games?

One of the heroes of the dystopian craze -- The Hunger Games. In anticipation of the release of the Sunrise on the Reaping movie, we're talking about the film that started it all. Members of my age range remember Jennifer Lawrence for her portrayal of Katniss more than anything else. Looking with a critical eye, we'll explore the strengths and pitfalls of The Hunger Games film.

Why Did We Like it Then?

Like I said, this movie kickstarted the dystopian craze. Following its release, we saw films like The Fifth Wave, Divergent, or Maze Runner -- all of which were set in a similar dismal future we now call our own. Then, messages of resistance felt like encouragement to do the right thing at school or places of work, to use our voices to support causes we believed in. Now, the idea of "doing the right thing" or "using our voices" means so much more.

What Can We Take From it Now?

Living in our present reality, I see far too many similarities between our world and that of Panem. Authoritarian regime? Close enough. Watching murder on TV? Happens every day. Obsession with expreme cosmetic procedures to fit a made-up standard? Oh yeah. This was, of course, the very reason why Collins wrote the book. In her recent works, Collins has attacked themes like that of propaganda, which is incredibly relevant to our world. A modern viewing of The Hunger Games can serve to inspire us to resist tyranny, which may be needed more than we want to admit.