Excellent Prequel to the Hunger Games set, after watching this I am rewatching the Hunger Games series as i suspect it will through a different light on the story overall.
This is a surprisingly good prequel.
Thought it might be just jumping on the bandwagon.. but that’s not the case in fact it fills out the story very well, really enjoyed i
The steelbook is excellent,pleased it has an additional plastic protective cover ,all steelbooks should be presented and sold this way.The film is a great prequel to the Hunger games trilogy.I am very satisfied with this purchase.T.E.
Was undecided whether to watch this or not due to mixed reviews. I enjoyed it but don’t expect it to be like the hunger games as you know them. Watch it with no expectations, just as a film. It does give some background details for the original films.
“Hunger Games: The Ballad of Birds and Snakes” ventures into the depths of Panem’s dark history, offering a riveting prequel that explores the origins of the Capitol’s tyranny. Set against the backdrop of the Tenth Hunger Games, the film delves into the formative years of President Coriolanus Snow, shedding light on the events that shaped his ruthless persona.
Directed by visionary filmmaker Francis Lawrence, the movie presents a visually stunning and thematically rich tapestry. From the opulent corridors of the Capitol to the desolate arenas of the Hunger Games, every scene is meticulously crafted to immerse the audience in the dystopian world of Panem.
Portrayed by the talented young actor, Alexander Ludwig, a compelling portrayal of a young Coriolanus Snow emerges, showcasing his cunning intellect and ambition. Ludwig brings a depth to the character that humanizes the villain, offering glimpses of the vulnerability and moral ambiguity that lurk beneath his polished facade.
The supporting cast delivers standout performances, with Amandla Stenberg shining as the spirited tribute, Lucy Gray Baird. Stenberg infuses the character with a blend of charm and resilience, capturing the audience’s hearts as she navigates the treacherous arena.
While “The Ballad of Birds and Snakes” provides intriguing insights into the origins of the Hunger Games, its pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the second act. Some scenes feel drawn out, diluting the tension and momentum built in the film’s gripping opening.
Overall, “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Birds and Snakes” is a worthy addition to the franchise, offering fans a compelling exploration of Panem’s dark past. With its captivating performances and immersive world-building, the film is sure to satisfy both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
This prequel film has a good plot though it is not always easy to follow, but this has the advantage that the plot is not labored. I got a lot out of watching for a second time. The prequel is the story of how Snow becomes the tyrant he is in the main trilogy, making the journey from being an open, sensitive, independent and intelligent young man. The film gives many satisfying nods towards the trilogy, and in particular reveals why Snow later took such a personal interest in Katniss. The film tells how he falls first for an intelligent and gifted young female rebel from Sector 12, played by Rachel Zegler, who is outstanding in the role of Lucy Gray Baird. A real strength of this film is the musical score which revolves around Zegler’s character with a series of beautiful folky songs which she sings, and which form a deeply emotional commentary on the plot.
I think the original four hunger games films are great so decided to rent the prequel to see the origin story and I wasn’t disappointed I prefer the original four films but the prequel is good to see how it all began.
With the prequel to the popular Hunger-Games series of 2012-15 due for release I did rewatch the 4-movies recently and in truth enjoyed them more than I had when first viewing watching over a 3-4 year spell.
Subsequently looking forward to the Songbirds and Snakes release.
The film I did actually find more enjoyable than the original movies, there was indeed more action during the Hunger-Game battles, somewhat more violent I have to say (must admit the censors seem to be turning a blind-eye when putting an age guidance on the films ?)
In this we see young Coriolanus “Coryo” Snow (Tom Blyth) an ambitious ‘acadamy-student’ being given the task of ‘mentor’ to Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) ffrom district ’12’ in the 10th Hunger-Game contest.
Young Coriolanus is soon attracted to Lucy who’s songs seem to have meaning.
The games, unlike in the 4-movie series are conducted within a dome (a fairly small area)
When the dome is attacked by rebels killing both competitors and indeed mentors, Lucy rescues Coriolanus who had shown her kindness.
As the story develops the two indeed get together, however ambition will interere with a future together.
A well crafted prequel which has perhaps too many songs, but well worth a watch.
Good 4k viewing.
It’s an ok watch. My wife who’s read all the books and loves the original films loved it too. I’m not so much so it didn’t blow me away.
Standard storyline and relatively predictable (you should already know where it ends up!) but you’d need to have watched the originals before watching this as I don’t think it stands on its own.
Didn’t make an effort to see it at the cinema, in retrospect I wouldn’t have paid to see it on pay-for and would have waited until it came up for free! But I’m sure diehard fans of HG will love it.
As a generalism, most people want to know, does this film live up to the standard of the original Quadrilogy of a novel Trilogy.
Yes.
Oohhh short review? Nah
As a popcorn flick, it slams out of the water Godzilla style, with metaphors, siligisms, even some potentially unintended entendre, double or otherwise.
As a renaissance of the original material (film-wise), it also delivers with a semblance of apocryphal human destitution.
The end game for this review, you’l enjoy watching it. It will deliver in various levels of button pushing in the human psyche.
The laymen’s lowdown, the film gives you a clear definition early on in respect of how the privileged will realise all is not peachy. Of how the undertrod, will trod over the over people etc. Then, in the middle part, you get to realise we are all the same, just with labels. Finally, both sides can turn their feathers, to what matters most to them on a personal level, not just a defined state.
What does all that mean? Simple, you can be rich and kind, or rich an arrogant, or both. You can be poor and kind, or poor and arrogant, or both.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes hits and misses with technical (ie CGI stuff), it hits very well mostly score wise, its acting compliment is also hit and miss. The lead male actor hits, the lead female actor misses. The rest are a mixed bag, although I’d say closer to hit than miss overall.
If you love the original films, you definitely need to watch this, and should enjoy it overall, but depending on what aspects you like about the original trilogy will define how much you like this new entry.
If this review comes across a little obscure on details, thats for a very specific reason. This is one of those films you need to see for yourself to consider whether or not you like it. My parting note is this.I give this films 4 stars because I believe it to be very enjoyable, but had various aspects that could be improved upon. It would be 3 stars except for one very specific reason. Regardless of my opinion of this film specifically, there is one absolute. It makes me want more films in the history prior to The Hunger Games to be made..many more.
I enjoyed the film, but watched the previous Hunger Games films beforehand, and it didn’t quite measure up to them. It was visually amazing and well acted, but the character of Snow honestly didn’t work. I get that he was conflicted, but it seemed more like muddled. Why did he do some of the things he did? (Trying not to include spoilers but if you watch it, you’ll know what I’m talking about) It might have been better to accept that he was a bad-un from the start. He was very nice to look at though.
![The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes 4K Ultra HD [Blu-ray]](https://k4s.uk/posts/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/81bIlzCAvRL.jpg)
Excellent Prequel to the Hunger Games set, after watching this I am rewatching the Hunger Games series as i suspect it will through a different light on the story overall.
This is a surprisingly good prequel.
Thought it might be just jumping on the bandwagon.. but that’s not the case in fact it fills out the story very well, really enjoyed i
The steelbook is excellent,pleased it has an additional plastic protective cover ,all steelbooks should be presented and sold this way.The film is a great prequel to the Hunger games trilogy.I am very satisfied with this purchase.T.E.
Was undecided whether to watch this or not due to mixed reviews. I enjoyed it but don’t expect it to be like the hunger games as you know them. Watch it with no expectations, just as a film. It does give some background details for the original films.
“Hunger Games: The Ballad of Birds and Snakes” ventures into the depths of Panem’s dark history, offering a riveting prequel that explores the origins of the Capitol’s tyranny. Set against the backdrop of the Tenth Hunger Games, the film delves into the formative years of President Coriolanus Snow, shedding light on the events that shaped his ruthless persona.
Directed by visionary filmmaker Francis Lawrence, the movie presents a visually stunning and thematically rich tapestry. From the opulent corridors of the Capitol to the desolate arenas of the Hunger Games, every scene is meticulously crafted to immerse the audience in the dystopian world of Panem.
Portrayed by the talented young actor, Alexander Ludwig, a compelling portrayal of a young Coriolanus Snow emerges, showcasing his cunning intellect and ambition. Ludwig brings a depth to the character that humanizes the villain, offering glimpses of the vulnerability and moral ambiguity that lurk beneath his polished facade.
The supporting cast delivers standout performances, with Amandla Stenberg shining as the spirited tribute, Lucy Gray Baird. Stenberg infuses the character with a blend of charm and resilience, capturing the audience’s hearts as she navigates the treacherous arena.
While “The Ballad of Birds and Snakes” provides intriguing insights into the origins of the Hunger Games, its pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the second act. Some scenes feel drawn out, diluting the tension and momentum built in the film’s gripping opening.
Overall, “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Birds and Snakes” is a worthy addition to the franchise, offering fans a compelling exploration of Panem’s dark past. With its captivating performances and immersive world-building, the film is sure to satisfy both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
This prequel film has a good plot though it is not always easy to follow, but this has the advantage that the plot is not labored. I got a lot out of watching for a second time. The prequel is the story of how Snow becomes the tyrant he is in the main trilogy, making the journey from being an open, sensitive, independent and intelligent young man. The film gives many satisfying nods towards the trilogy, and in particular reveals why Snow later took such a personal interest in Katniss. The film tells how he falls first for an intelligent and gifted young female rebel from Sector 12, played by Rachel Zegler, who is outstanding in the role of Lucy Gray Baird. A real strength of this film is the musical score which revolves around Zegler’s character with a series of beautiful folky songs which she sings, and which form a deeply emotional commentary on the plot.
I think the original four hunger games films are great so decided to rent the prequel to see the origin story and I wasn’t disappointed I prefer the original four films but the prequel is good to see how it all began.
Subsequently looking forward to the Songbirds and Snakes release.
The film I did actually find more enjoyable than the original movies, there was indeed more action during the Hunger-Game battles, somewhat more violent I have to say (must admit the censors seem to be turning a blind-eye when putting an age guidance on the films ?)
In this we see young Coriolanus “Coryo” Snow (Tom Blyth) an ambitious ‘acadamy-student’ being given the task of ‘mentor’ to Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) ffrom district ’12’ in the 10th Hunger-Game contest.
Young Coriolanus is soon attracted to Lucy who’s songs seem to have meaning.
The games, unlike in the 4-movie series are conducted within a dome (a fairly small area)
When the dome is attacked by rebels killing both competitors and indeed mentors, Lucy rescues Coriolanus who had shown her kindness.
As the story develops the two indeed get together, however ambition will interere with a future together.
A well crafted prequel which has perhaps too many songs, but well worth a watch.
Good 4k viewing.
It’s an ok watch. My wife who’s read all the books and loves the original films loved it too. I’m not so much so it didn’t blow me away.
Standard storyline and relatively predictable (you should already know where it ends up!) but you’d need to have watched the originals before watching this as I don’t think it stands on its own.
Didn’t make an effort to see it at the cinema, in retrospect I wouldn’t have paid to see it on pay-for and would have waited until it came up for free! But I’m sure diehard fans of HG will love it.
Yes.
Oohhh short review? Nah
As a popcorn flick, it slams out of the water Godzilla style, with metaphors, siligisms, even some potentially unintended entendre, double or otherwise.
As a renaissance of the original material (film-wise), it also delivers with a semblance of apocryphal human destitution.
The end game for this review, you’l enjoy watching it. It will deliver in various levels of button pushing in the human psyche.
The laymen’s lowdown, the film gives you a clear definition early on in respect of how the privileged will realise all is not peachy. Of how the undertrod, will trod over the over people etc. Then, in the middle part, you get to realise we are all the same, just with labels. Finally, both sides can turn their feathers, to what matters most to them on a personal level, not just a defined state.
What does all that mean? Simple, you can be rich and kind, or rich an arrogant, or both. You can be poor and kind, or poor and arrogant, or both.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes hits and misses with technical (ie CGI stuff), it hits very well mostly score wise, its acting compliment is also hit and miss. The lead male actor hits, the lead female actor misses. The rest are a mixed bag, although I’d say closer to hit than miss overall.
If you love the original films, you definitely need to watch this, and should enjoy it overall, but depending on what aspects you like about the original trilogy will define how much you like this new entry.
If this review comes across a little obscure on details, thats for a very specific reason. This is one of those films you need to see for yourself to consider whether or not you like it. My parting note is this.I give this films 4 stars because I believe it to be very enjoyable, but had various aspects that could be improved upon. It would be 3 stars except for one very specific reason. Regardless of my opinion of this film specifically, there is one absolute. It makes me want more films in the history prior to The Hunger Games to be made..many more.
Many.
I enjoyed the film, but watched the previous Hunger Games films beforehand, and it didn’t quite measure up to them. It was visually amazing and well acted, but the character of Snow honestly didn’t work. I get that he was conflicted, but it seemed more like muddled. Why did he do some of the things he did? (Trying not to include spoilers but if you watch it, you’ll know what I’m talking about) It might have been better to accept that he was a bad-un from the start. He was very nice to look at though.