The year 2010 was marked by a dystopian saga Hunger Games, both on paper and on screen. Katniss and Peeta have sparked much debate over the past decade and marked the coming of age of many readers and viewers. Between the trilogy of books released between 2008 and 2010 and the four films released between 2012 and 2015, fans of dystopia and sci-fi have been spoiled for choice.
Today, Hunger Games has become a pop culture landmark. At the center of the saga? The famous killing game in which two young people from each of the 12 districts of Panem, a sort of post-apocalyptic America, must fight to the death. All this, therefore, to the delight of the residents of the Capitol, the modern and opulent heart of Panem, is broadcast on television. The participation of sassy Katniss Everdeen opens the door to a revolution…
But now interests are changing, and over the years, dystopian sagas no longer monopolize our screens so much. Until Suzanne Collins, author of the literary saga Hunger Gamesis releasing a prequel to his work in 2020.
Three years later an adaptation Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Serpent and the Chant that’s why it appears in our dark rooms. So, starting this Wednesday, November 15th, fans of the saga will be able to re-immerse themselves in this extremely popular saga. But does this prequel match up? primarily Ballad of the Serpent and the Chanterelle can he make us appreciate the antagonist of the opening saga at least a little? Because yes, the hideous Coriolanus Snow is at the center of this new movie.
Return to Panem
Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Snake and the Bird already opens with a flashback. Before the founding of the famous games, a war rages between the Capitol and the rebels led by District 13. During these “dark days”, Coriolanus Snow’s father is murdered. Snow now lives modestly with her grandmother and cousin, but still benefits from the fame of her once powerful family. The scared boy is now a bright young student hoping to get a scholarship to keep his family safe.
But unfortunately, Dean Casca Highbottom didn’t like the young man, and a new test must be passed to get this famous scholarship. Ten years later, the Hunger Games aren’t as interesting as they used to be. In this tenth year, each prestige student will be responsible for the honor. Unfortunately for Snow, he finds himself with Lucy Gray Baird, a strong character who shouldn’t last long in the arena. Coriolanus Snow therefore takes District 12’s female tribute under his wing and does everything to enable him to survive and why not win this edition of the Hunger Games.
After a long decade away from Panem, it’s good to be back in a very strange universe Hunger Games. The foundations of the Capitol are still feverish after the “dark days”, much more so than in the original saga. So, Ballad of the Serpent and the Chanterelle marks the first ever televised release of the games. To increase viewership, Capitol can count on the ancestor of the emblematic Caesar Flickerman. Now we understand why this legendary character from the original saga is such a good speaker. The Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman we meet in this new adventure is incredible, and Jason Schwartzman is just perfect for the role.
A mask that cracks
But the film mainly analyzes the relationship between Coriolan Snow and Lucy Gray Baird, who come from such different universes. Out of interest, but not only, the two protagonists agree to stick together. But the Hunger Games transforms everyone, from near and far.
If Snow is cute at first, his character is more complex than one might believe. Gradually, the protagonist gets lost in the choices he has to make and the actions he has to take. It even gave us a glimpse of the familiar Coriolanus Snow at the head of Panem over sixty years later in the opening saga. The task that fell to Tom Blyth was far from easy, but we manage to understand the protagonist.
Rachel Zegler succeeds in the role of Lucy Gray Baird, who is a stain on the Capitol. Even though she is annoying at times, we are eventually touched by this young woman who sings and moves the Pane audience.
Like the original saga, Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Serpent and the Chant is not a Manichean work. The plot and the main characters of the feature film have multiple layers and other nuances. Enough to keep the viewer in suspense. We find here and there a nod to the saga, and we can only rejoice.
Verdict: Should you go see the Hunger Games songbird?
Francis Lawrence, who has nothing to do with the actress, manages to keep our attention on the fate of Lucy Gray Baird and her temporary mentor Coriolanus Snow for more than two hours and thirty minutes. To this end, it develops a complex and engaging plot with some excellent twists. If Lucy Gray Baird sings maybe a little too much for our taste, Ballad of the Serpent and the Chanterelle we managed to return to Panem with undisguised pleasure. Visually, the film is great, and the direction is almost genius in places.
Most of the actors playing in the prequel Hunger Games he doesn’t deserve it. We especially get goosebumps from Viola Davis in the role of the ruthless Dr. Volumnia Gaul. Finally bet on Ballad of the Serpent and the Chanterelle is successful. For a while, we liked the mean Coriolanus Snow.
Without being the film of the year, this new opus should please fans of the film saga. Although not as good as those released ten years ago, Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Serpent and the Chant despite everything we managed to have a good time. Unfortunately, since we haven’t read the novel, we can’t comment on the quality of the film. However, we all know how dangerous it is.