Mockingjay Part I lights a fire in your heart

Katniss and her gang of rebels ignite the box office with release of Mockingjay Part I. The first installment of the two-part finale was dark, inspirational, and exactly what was needed to continue the fire behind the Hunger Games franchisee.

Post escaping from the Capital and destroying the games, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and the surviving tributes seek refuge in an underground war bunk in District 13. Encouraged by previous Game Maker (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss becomes the leader of the Mockingjay rebellion, organized and pushed by District 13’s President Coin (Julianne Moore). Leading the movement, the rebellion faces strikes and conflicting propaganda from Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) as the Capital tries to maintain order of the districts.

"Fire is catching and if we burn, you burn with us!"

The looming oppression felt by the characters in Panam conveys through the screen and pushes the audience deeper in their seats. Witnessing disastrous sceneries of District 12 and bombed hospitals that once bustled with people in the first two movies is overwhelming and sets the depressing yet hopeful tone for the movie. Not to mention, the fan favourite Peeta sends contradicting messages to help the Capital keeps everyone in a state of confusion and betrayal.

Clearly there are too many emotions to communicate as the movie progresses from scene to scene.

With the shaky camera movements and dynamic war scenes to display the sense of despair and disorder, Mockingjay Part I leaves off at a perfect point. As the rebellion grows stronger across the districts and the Capital’s loss of control, the finale is headed in a successful direction of overthrowing the totalitarian government and leaves off a love story for the second half. It is clear the separation between Peeta and Katniss has left a mark on her as she chooses who is more important to her. Gale knows it, her family knows it: Team Peeta will probably win this battle!

With anticipation greater than ever for Mockingjay Part II, a major question arises: what will happen with Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character as the Game Maker? At the movie’s end, a dedication to Hoffman reminded the audience of his recent death, leaving rewriting issues for the next movie. It will be interesting to see what direction the movie will go after an important character’s disappearance. 

Setting a high bar for the final installment, Mockingjay Part I exceeded standards and left audiences craving for the next chapter of the series. The dismal tale of Panam continues with a bright fire burning its way to the Capital and as the audience grows, the fire grows.

Rating: 8/10