Shuvrajit Das Biswas
Dystopian settings have never looked cooler than in ‘The Hunger Games’, a science fiction adventure movie directed by Gary Ross. It is based on Suzanne Collins’s 2008 novel of the same name. The movie is the first installment of the ‘The Hunger Games’ film series that includes ‘Catching Fire’, ‘Mockingjay- Part 1’ and ‘Mockingjay- Part 2’.
The basic story of ‘The Hunger Games’ takes place in a post-apocalyptic and dystopian future in the nation of Panem. A boy and girl are chosen from each of the 12 districts of Panem. They are tributes who have to compete in the titular Hunger Games, which is a televised fight to the death. Upon release, the movie was praised for the themes as well as messages. Some of the action sequences were criticized but Jennifer Lawrence gained immense praise for her performance as the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. If you have seen films like ‘Battle Royale’, the similarities in ‘The Hunger Game’ are striking. So now you must be wondering where you can see the movie. Well, we are here to tell you that, but first, let us walk you through the film’s plot.
What is The Hunger Games About?
‘Hunger Games’ begins with a male and female member between the ages of 12 and 18, being chosen from each of Panem’s 12 districts as tributes to fight in the titular game. The entire concept comes due to a failed rebellion by the districts at one point in history. In the Hunger Games, the tributes have to fight and kill each other until there is just one survivor remaining. Peeta, a boy, is chosen as the male tribute from District 12, while Katniss’ sister is also chosen. This prompts Katniss to volunteer to take her sister’s place, who gifts her a Mockingjay pin for good luck and protection.
Peeta and Katniss go off to the Capitol and are escorted by Effie Trinket, the chaperone and Haymitch Abernathy, the mentor and only victor from District 12 in the history of the nation. Abernathy advises them that they should attract sponsors who can provide gifts during the games. While they are in training, Katniss sees the ‘Careers’, that is Marvel, Glimmer, Cato, and Clove. They are volunteers from the wealthier districts who have prepared for the games from a very young age. In an interview, Peeta confesses that he loves Katniss, but the latter thinks of it as a gimmick to attract sponsors, before realizing that his feelings are genuine.
However, before much more can be done, the Games begin. Katniss almost immediately gets into trouble but manages to narrowly avoid death. When the initial melee takes place, half of the 24 tributes wind up dead, with 11 making it to the next day, including the Careers. Katniss’ hits upon the smart plan to avoid too much conflict and tries to not run into others. However, the person in charge of the game, Seneca Crane, causes a forest fire which forces Katniss to run into the Careers. Peeta seems to have gone over to their side and as Katniss hides in a tree, Peeta suggests to wait her out. Katniss forms an alliance with Rue, a young girl from District 11. They use genetically modified venomous wasps to get out of their fix. The wasps kill Glimmer, one of the Careers. However, Katniss is stung a couple of times and begins to hallucinate and thinks Peeta appears to tell her to flee.
Rue and Katniss take the fight to the careers once they recover, with the latter destroying the stockpiled supplies of the Careers. When the seasoned fighters retaliate, Marvel impales Rue with a spear that was meant for Katniss. Fighting back, Katniss shoots Marvel fatally with an arrow. She comforts Rue and puts her to rest. Once she passes away, Katniss shows a three-finger salute to the cameras, triggering a riot in District 11. The president warns Crane to get things under control. Meanwhile, Abernathy convinces Crane to let there be two winners to quell the revolts.
After the announcement, Katniss finds Peeta gravely injured. She goes to the starting point looking for medicines but runs into Clove, who ambushes and overpowers her. When Clove gloats about Rue’s death, the male tribute from District 11 kills the Career, sparing Katniss. Meanwhile, Katniss hears a cannon go off, signaling another death, and fears for Peeta. However, it turns out to be Foxface, a female tribute from District 5, who has accidentally consumed deadly ‘nightlock’ berries. Towards the end of the game, Crane launches genetically modified beasts, forcing Peeta, Katniss and the last of the Careers to the roof of the structure at the starting point.
The three appear to be in a stalemate as Cato, the Career, uses Peeta as a shield against Katniss’ arrows. However, Katniss shoots at the hand, allowing Peeta to throw Cato off the roof. As the beasts overrun the last Career, Katniss shoots Cato dead. Peeta urges her to kill him when the rules are changed back to one possible victor. However, Katniss tells him that they should both consume the deadly berries at the same time. Before they can, Crane announces them to be joint winners. At the end of the movie, Abernathy warns Katniss that her acts of defiance have not gone unnoticed and she has enemies in high places.
Is The Hunger Games on Netflix?
Netflix has an amazing collection of movies and television shows that sets it apart as a premier content provider. ‘The Hunger Games’ is unavailable but if you want a dystopian tale where youths compete against each other, check out ‘3%‘.
Is The Hunger Games on Hulu?
Hulu has a fantastic collection of movies and television shows to cater to diverse tastes. While ‘The Hunger Games’ is not on the platform, if you want a dystopian show where people finally decide to revolt, check out ‘The Handmaid’s Tale‘.
Is The Hunger Games on Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime has an enviable collection of movies and television shows that can perhaps only be bested by Netflix. You can rent or buy and watch ‘The Hunger Games’ on the platform. It costs $3.99 to rent. You can buy the SD version for $9.99 and the HD version for $12.99. Check it out here.
Where Can I Stream The Hunger Games Online?
No subscriptions to major platforms? No worries. Check out ‘The Hunger Games’ on SyFy. However, you must have a subscription to the platform.
Can I Stream The Hunger Games Online For Free?
Sorry to disappoint the freeloaders but there is no way to stream and watch ‘The Hunger Games’ legally for free. Moreover, we urge all our readers to pay for any art they consume.
