The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the new addition to the Hunger Games film series, was released to theaters on Nov. 17. Both of us watched the film over winter break and we have some different opinions about the new Hunger Games film.

Characters

Ellie: I loved how much spirit Lucy Gray held throughout the entirety of the film. Despite her unfortunate circumstances she continued to prevail and perceive a strong front. Not letting the games change her and her spirit. I also loved how outspoken she was throughout, managing to make digs and give her thoughts on how much she and the others opposed the games, and how the Capital treats them.

 I loved how much they made Coriolanus such a complex character throughout the movie. In the beginning of the movie I was honestly shocked that it was Snow, since he behaved so differently than what we know him as. You could see the goodness he still held in his heart and towards his family. Then after killing one of the tributes you can slowly see Coriolanus turn into Snow.

Jada: Even though it’s obvious that this film is a villain origin story, I still had a hard time empathizing with the main character, Coriolanus. He uses his people until they can’t do things for him and doesn’t have any guilt about it. He shows throughout the film that he is selfish and narrow-minded. Even with his charm and scenes that could paint him a hero, his ambitions took the best of him and turned him into someone who is hard to enjoy as a main character.

 Lucy Gray Baird is a determined and kind woman who takes music as a comfort. At first Lucy Gray was underestimated by Snow but by the end of the movie had shown that she was really a survivor.

Plot 

Jada: The plot of this movie was complex and interesting, and one that provides more detail into an already complex series. Seeing as to how the main character changed throughout the film, becoming more and more of the character we are already familiar with. Also seeing the dynamics he creates and ruins with people is interesting. 

Ellie: I was very much expecting before watching the movie to not enjoy it because it was Snow’s backstory after all. But I was wrong, I thought the analysis of Snow as a character that they developed was done extremely well and brought a lot of background information and so many unanswered questions that the original films brought about Snow’s mysterious background, or why things were the way they were in Snow’s vision.

Setting

Ellie: I really enjoyed that they showed the Capital during the rebellion. I always thought that only the Districts were heavily affected. When they showed just how bad things had gotten for the Capital I understood why they referenced so heavily to it during the rest of the films. During Coriolanus’ time in District 12 I loved seeing how Twelve looked before its downfall. I thought it made much more sense why District 12 was in extreme poverty. I think compared to when Coriolanus’ as a teen and as a leader seemed heavily on purpose, it reminded him of all the good memories of him and Lucy Gray Baird that he destroyed every memory of her in her own home.

Likes

Jada: As much as I don’t like him as a character, the story of Coriolanus’ rise to power is one that is very interesting to watch, knowing how it ends up having watched other Hunger Games films. His evolution to who he became, a tyrannical president, has such good story telling in both the small ways and big events that showed his true colors. Instead of writing a character who uses strength or force to rule, Coriolanus instead uses calculated, small acts that help in his goal.

Ellie: I was completely shocked when Lucy Gray began to sing the “The Hanging Tree” from the original films. I thought it was an incredible connection. It made even more sense as to why Coriolanus behaves the way he does when he hears Katniss sing it nearly 60 years later. It also, I believe, proves that Lucy Gray survived Snow, because if she didn’t, how would Katniss know the song Lucy Gray wrote?

Conclusion: Overall both of us enjoyed the new addition to the series, leaving us at the edges of our seats. We both highly recommend this film and hope you enjoy it as much as we did.