Movie: The Hunger Games. Dir. Gary Ross. Lions Gate Entertainment. 2012
Only one of these children will live. The rest will kill and ultimately be killed, by the other children in the arena, until only one victor remains. The televised competition, a cross between “Gladiators” and “Survivors” will be watched, by government mandate, by all citizens of the capitol city, Panem and the 12 surrounding, dependent districts. The districts have an especially vested interest in the Games, because the children -- the Tributes fighting to the death -- are “reaped” by lottery, two children from each district every year.
Katniss is a highly independent teen who has been using the hunting skills her father taught her to feed her mother, younger sister, Prim, and herself. When Prim is selected to be the District 12 Tribute in the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers to take her place. 
The Hunger Games is a visually stunning movie and an emotionally wrenching one. The dystopia in which the repressive government controls all aspects of existence from every mouthful of food to the very lives of the children is bleak and dreadful to imagine. However, the spirit of righteous rebellion shines through in the choices Katniss faces and gives the movie a balance of hope in an otherwise hopeless reality.
I enjoyed this movie so much, I ordered and read the three book set. As usual, (for a bibliophile) the book was better than the movie, but only marginally. The movie captured the full spirit and the major events of the story. However, it couldn't begin to capture the nuances of thought and feelings that were revealed in the book.
I whole-heartedly recommend this movie to ages nine and older. Younger children may be overwhelmed by the violence, especially as it is child against child violence. Children nine to thirteen may still need an adult to explain the politics of Panem, and the significance of some of the flashbacks.
If you haven't seen the movie yet, GO! Then read all three books in the series.
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