The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

Francis Lawrence's final film, following The Girl on Fire and her desperate journey of survival, is a must see for any book lover. He manages to captivate perfectly the imagery created by the books, restoring faith in the success and accuracy of book to film adaptations. It is a film that will keep you in a constant state of suspense and disbelief, leaving you enthralled and moved by this powerful film.

Realising that their cause is much larger than themselves, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Laurence) and others from District 13 head for the Capitol, to liberate all of Panem from the tyrannical rain of President Snow. But as her friends become cold hearted killers and liberator, President Alma Coin, becomes more and more questionable in her action, Katniss is left confused about who she is fighting for. The complex themes of corruption in power and survival, that have been so prominent, are constant throughout the film, and are not lost in the attempt to make this finale just an epic action packed blockbuster.

Laurence could not have been more perfect for the role of Katniss. From the very beginning, fans took to her performance as Katniss. Throughout the series she has been outstanding and forever entertaining to watch, as she brought the stubborn and brave character to life. In this film we clearly see Katniss' state of deterioration, as she has become a girl who will do anything to escape the games, sick of her warrior persona and desperate to destroy her mockingjay wings. In this film the range of emotions that Laurence can communicate through a single look or gesture is captivating for audiences and keeps them engaged throughout. I feel this is clearly shown through the scenes between Katniss and Peeta, as well as her reactions to devastating news such as Coin's plan to kill District 2 civilians and Gale's support for her. Laurence never ceases to disappoint and every film is a masterclass.

Another performance that is exceptional is Josh Hutcherson's portrayal of Peeta Mellark. We were left on edge from the previous film as we discovered Peeta had been hijacked by the Captiol (a form of torture using Tracker Jacker venom – a muttation Katniss was stung by in the first Hunger Games). This unfortunate circumstance for his character, allowed Hutcherson to evolve his character from the lovable and passive baker from District 12 to someone who has experienced something people can never imagine. Hutcherson perfectly presented the audience with someone who was broken by Snow, reinforcing the theme of his tyranny and the fact they are still in one of his games.

The hard hitting emotions of the film are entwined with a conscious choice of music, stirring more feeling into the melting pot of feelings. Particularly for book fans, to hear the lullabies of The Hanging Tree (sung in Mockingjay Part 1) and Deep in the Meadow, was a heart wrenching sound. Lawrence's particular choice of having Katniss sing Deep in the Meadow during the epilogue was one of the most impactful as it parallels Rue's death in the first Hunger Games. There are many other pieces of music that have been used to mirror the first film, such as the dead tribute's anthem and a melody that fans recognise from every film in the series. Music is often used to trigger emotional responses, and in this case the music will trigger a feeling of familiarity and security for fans from the beginning.

Overall, I feel this was a fitting ending to a story that many know and love. This all-star cast definitely pulled off the performance of a lifetime, and one that will be remembered for years to come. Lawrence brought to life a story loved by millions, creating a film you can barely take your eyes off of.