Tuesday, November 17, 2015
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Adoption Movie Review
In anticipation of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 which will be released later this week, Adoption at the Movies is taking a look at The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. Come back soon for a review of the sequel!
After being rescued from the Hunger Games arena, Katniss
Everdeen recuperates in District 13, the headquarters of the rebellion against
the oppressive government of President Snow. The leader of District 13,
President Coin, has asked Katniss to serve as the symbol for their revolution.
Katniss initially declines because District 13 failed to rescue her dear friend
Peeta, another combatant in the Hunger Games. However, when she realizes that
the oppressive government has captured Peeta and is using him for propaganda,
she agrees to be the figurehead that will rally the rebellion, so long as Peeta
is spared.
The Adoption
Connection
Some kids and teens who have been in foster care might
resonate with Katniss. She was taken from her home (and her very low-income
community) by the government. She was initially placed in an abusive and
dangerous situation. Now, she has been rescued from that environment and placed
into another new location. She is welcomed by an understanding person who tells
her, “I’m sorry for what you’ve been through. You are welcome to us. We’ve
known loss, too.”
Katniss also returns to her former home, and sees that it
has been destroyed.
People wrongly believed that Katniss had been pregnant.
Rather than correcting their misconception, she tells them that she lost her
baby.
Strong Points
Katniss is brave and loyal.
Challenges
District 13 initially accepts Katniss, and some kids who have
been through foster care might initially see President Coin as an analogue for
a kind foster parent given how warmly and understandingly she greets Katniss.
However, she makes it clear that Katniss’ welcome into their lives is
conditional; if she does not do what they want, she will not be held in esteem,
and her friends will be allowed to die.
It would be possible for a viewer to leave this film
resonating with the fact that the government destroyed Katniss’ home and
separated her from her family.
Weak Points
A lot of destruction in this film – and the bombing of a
hospital – could upset viewers who have experienced trauma, as could a scene
where a trusted friend unexpectedly chokes Katniss into unconsciousness.
Recommendations
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 is engrossing and has
successfully created a wide world for its characters to inhabit. Viewers can
rally along with the courageous Katniss. However, the destruction, violence,
and themes of government-caused separation from family could make the Hunger
Games series particularly difficult for kids who have been taken into
protective custody. This film has a PG-13 rating, and the rating does seem like
a good guideline. Most kids 13 and over might be able to enjoy the film without
being overly distraught by the violence, and they could talk over their
concerns with their parents. Kids under that age might have a rough time with
this one.
Questions for
Discussion
How did Katniss feel when she was separated from Peeta? How
did she feel when she had been separated from her mother and sister in the
first movie? Is it the same feeling, or are there differences?
How can you tell whether it is worth taking a risk to right
a wrong?
What makes it likely that Katniss will succeed?
What does Katniss most want?
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