The new Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has had fans gripping the edges of their seats in cinemas. The film, which was first released on the 17th of November, is based on the book by Suzanne Collins and is a prequel to the previous Hunger Games. ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ directed by Francis Lawrence, offers an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions, with an impressive mix of; thrills, jump scares, music, suspense and even romance.
‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ takes us back 64 years to the 10th annual Hunger Games, as we see Coriolanus Snow (a well-known character from the previous films) as a young man and tribute mentor. The film explores the origins of Snow (impressively portrayed by Tom Blyth) and helps us to understand how he became the man he is in the original films. Furthermore, it provides an insight for fans as to who, why and how the Hunger Games initially started, whilst also giving fans an opportunity to reflect on any differences in the Games and Panem, between the two different eras.
Although some fans might be disappointed that our favourite tribute Katniss, may not have returned to the big screen, ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ has many new, exciting, and unique characters. One being Lucy Gray Baird – portrayed by Rachel Zegler, with her outstanding voice – Lucy Gray is a folk singer from District 12, who stars in the film as an inspirational pivotal character and victor.
I would definitely recommend this film as one to watch, as not only is it a captivating cinematic journey, but it has some embedded powerful messages, and lessons which show viewers the consequences of power, corruption, and choices. The thought-provoking film and its ambiguous ending left me wanting to see more and questioning our own world and society.
