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The Hunger Games

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The Hunger Games

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• Adventure
• Romance

• 2012
• Gary Ross
• 136 mins
• 12

Summary

Futuristic action thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence. In annual retribution for a failed uprising in the totalitarian state of Panem, each of 12 districts is forced to select a young boy and girl to take part in a televised fight to the death. When her younger sister is chosen, the resourceful Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her place.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Alan Jones

In this impressive action thriller, faithfully adapted from the first book in Suzanne Collins's bestselling trilogy, a failed revolution in what used to be called America has led to the creation of 12 downtrodden districts that serve the wealthy Capitol. As penance for the uprising, every year two young people from each district are drafted to fight to the death in a televised combat spectacle. Although pitted against far stronger rivals, resourceful heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) fans the flames of working-class unrest with her iron will to survive. Despite well-worn ideas culled from the likes of The Running Man (1987) and Battle Royale (2000), and such obvious targets as reality TV, the idle rich/revolting poor divide and social control through the media, director Gary Ross (Pleasantville) keeps the sci-fi themes vivid and relevant, the camerawork jittery and involving and the action speedy and thrilling. Bolstering Lawrence's magnetic performance are marvellous turns by smitten fellow competitor Josh Hutcherson, jaded mentor Woody Harrelson and smarmy TV host Stanley Tucci. The dystopian design is also inspired, in a surprisingly serious franchise start-up that will please fans of the books and newcomers alike.

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7.2/10

How to watch

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Streaming

• BBC iPlayer
• NOW
• HBO Max
• Sky Store

Credits

Cast

rolenameKatniss EverdeenJennifer LawrencePeeta MellarkJosh HutchersonGale HawthorneLiam HemsworthEffie TrinketElizabeth Banks (2)Caesar FlickermanStanley TucciHaymitch AbernathyWoody HarrelsonClaudius TemplesmithToby JonesPrimrose EverdeenWillow ShieldsPresident SnowDonald SutherlandSeneca CraneWes BentleyCinnaLenny KravitzMrs EverdeenPaula MalcomsonRueAmandla StenbergCatoAlexander LudwigCloveIsabelle Fuhrman

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Crew

rolenameDirectorGary Ross

Details

Theatrical distributor

Lionsgate UK

Released on

2012-03-23

Languages

English

Guidance

Violence.

Available on

DVD and Blu-ray

Formats

Colour

News & features about The Hunger Games

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  The Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping first reactions are in following glittery premiere
  
  The film hits cinemas next month.

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  The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping trailer gives first look at most brutal games yet
  
  The upcoming prequel follows a young Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) before the events of The Hunger Games.

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• 
  
  Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson set to return to the Hunger Games franchise in 2026
  
  Sunrise on the Reaping is coming to cinemas in late 2026.

• 
  
  Jennifer Lawrence finally confirms her return for new Hunger Games movie alongside two other original franchise stars
  
  The star has been long-rumoured for a return as Katniss Everdeen.

• 
  
  The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping trailer offers first look at Elle Fanning and more as iconic characters
  
  There are seven months to go before the movie makes its way to the silver screen.

• 
  
  The Hunger Games legend stars in exclusive first-look clip for new psychological sci-fi thriller – with an AI twist
  
  Elizabeth Banks has an intriguing dual role in new movie DreamQuil – which is available for UK audiences from next month.

• 
  
  The Hunger Games on stage is officially coming to London this autumn
  
  We volunteer as tribute to go see this one!

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• 
  
  The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adds 28 Years Later star
  
  Edvin Ryding's post-Young Royals career is going from strength to strength.

• 
  
  Sunrise on the Reaping cast: All the stars confirmed for Hunger Games prequel
  
  The latest novel in the beloved series was only published this year – but the casting process for the upcoming film adaptation is already well underway.

• 
  
  Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping unleashes first-look trailer focused on young Haymitch
  
  Fans are in for a thrilling journey to Panem.

• 
  
  Hunger Games director and producer exclusively preview Sunrise on the Reaping: From lying to their families and Catching Fire comparisons to Jennifer Lawrence cameo
  
  The new film – which serves as a prequel to the main series focusing on key character Haymitch – arrives in cinemas next month.

• 
  
  Who is Joseph Zada? Meet Haymitch in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
  
  The relative unknown will be stepping into Woody Harrelson's shoes for the prequel film.

• 
  
  Hunger Games' Katniss Everdeen gets a new face in form of football legend's daughter
  
  The new Hunger Games play has found its Girl on Fire.

• 
  
  Hunger Games producer reveals elaborate way team kept Sunrise on the Reaping secret
  
  The book and its screen adaptation were announced at the same time – but production is well under way despite the novel only just coming out.

• 
  
  Sunrise on the Reaping ending explained: How Suzanne Collins expands The Hunger Games universe
  
  Contains spoilers, obviously.

• 
  
  Hunger Games star joins People We Meet on Vacation movie
  
  Our Poppy and Alex have arrived!

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  Who is Hunter Schafer? Meet Hunger Games and Euphoria star
  
  The actress will appear as Tigris Snow in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel.

• 
  
  Hunger Games favourite Sam Claflin reveals why he is still happy being the “love interest” in female-led films
  
  Sam Claflin's comfortable mixing with A-listers but says he’ll always play second fiddle to strong women (and Alan Partridge).

• 
  
  Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins announces new novel in series for 2025
  
  The new novel will be called Sunrise on the Reaping and will be set 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

• 
  
  Meet the cast of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
  
  Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth will play the leads in the upcoming sequel – and they're joined by a star-studded supporting cast.

• 
  
  The Traitors fans spot Hunger Games reference in final episode
  
  Fans were loving with the eerie song!

• 
  
  The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes review – A satisfying prequel
  
  There’s a lot that impresses about this bleak and sprawling prequel – but there are a few issues with pacing and tone.

• 
  
  Hunger Games prequel director reveals best order to watch films in
  
  The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes arrives in UK cinemas this week.

• 
  
  The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes soundtrack – All the songs
  
  Music plays a prominent part in the new prequel film.

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