Forget what Cinderella, Hermione, and Bella taught you – Katniss is the new “It Girl.” As the heroine in “The Hunger Games,” Katniss Everdeen will blow away your perception of the damsel in distress.
This film, set in America’s post-apocalyptic country of Panem, manages to successfully include a love story amid the eminent survival of 24 young adults. Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, volunteers to be one of the twenty four tributes that fight to the death in the annual Hunger Games, where two children from each district are chosen to fight to the death in an arena, where only one survives.
Katniss has the character traits that little girls should look up to: confident, ability, health, beauty, and bravery. In a touching display of love and sacrifice, Katniss saves her sister from being picked, and then uses her survival skills in the arena. She is perfectly capable of fighting for her life, but there is a hidden tenderness in her that is admirable.
Not only is Katniss a unique and fresh heroine in the movie, but her male counterpart Peeta is a noble character as well. As a tribute alongside Katniss, this bread-maker’s son may not be fit for the violence and aggression necessary to win the Hunger Games, but he offers a peaceful counterpart to the fiery Katniss. And his love for her demonstrates how willing he is to protect her and sacrifice himself for her.
As the film progresses, if one looks deeper than the romance and frequent violence, we can see the many themes being portrayed: society and class being the main one, but also sacrifice and power as well. “The Hunger Games” doesn’t talk about princes and princesses or witches and warlocks or even mutant vampire babies — rather, it throws the viewer into an arena where corruption rules and characters must decide what is worth fighting and dying for.
The raw emotion behind scenes like Katniss volunteering herself for the Hunger Games in place of her sister is perhaps why the film has been so successful thus far. On opening night made 152.5 million, and continues to bring in the bucks.
So if you happen to hear for the next few months “May the odds be ever in your favor” take it as a very strong hint to go watch “The Hunger Games”– it’s a must-see of the year!