One Flew Over the Mockingjay’s Nest

The Hunger Games series, which we were introduced to us in 2012, finally came to an end – a fact that leaves me disappointed in more ways than one. When I saw the first film, it was fresh, new, interesting and thought-provoking.

Three years later, the final installment leans towards being a money-grabbing attempt rather than a magnificent ending to an inspiring story. But that’s what you get when you split one novel into two movie parts. This fact alone was bound to create problems with the pace of the film right from the get-go, especially since it’s obvious that it could’ve all fit into one film.

Mockingjay Part 2 starts right where the last film finished off, with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) recuperating from the dangerous task of retrieving her long-lost love interest, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), who has been brainwashed and has become potentially dangerous to everybody around him. As Katniss and her rebel troupes get ready for their final battle against the tyrannical President Snow (Donald Sutherland), the rebel leader Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) that had initially seemed righteous and just, starts to look like the devil in disguise and just another tyrant to replace the old one. This leaves Katniss re-examining what and for whom she is really fighting for.

While the original book series has become increasingly darker with each new publication, the film hasn’t done much to ease this problem, either. Surely, Woody Harrelson and Elisabeth Banks have given us glimpses of humor in the first two films, but now, even their presence doesn’t bring out any light-heartedness to an otherwise depressing story.

Because of the fact that the book is so disheartening in its very nature, the filmmakers should have at least tried to stray from the original a little, in order to bring a silver lining of sorts to a film that desperately needs one. Not only are beloved characters killed off with no warning and no mercy, but Katniss is also less and less resolute as time goes by. It’s almost as if this big-screen feminist icon has lost her drive, her passion and, ultimately, her purpose.

On the plus side, the film is more dramatic than the previous ones. Some serious questions are asked, characters are driven to the edge, and tough choices are made.

Lawrence’s presence is prime; one can’t help but draw some parallels between the real-life actress and her film character. She has entered the saga as a relatively unknown actress, but leaves it as one of the biggest names in the business. Similarly to this, Katniss has entered the games as the underdog from District 12 that had no illusion of being the victor, let alone a leader in a rebellion against the ruthless government of Panem.

Her character is revolutionary in so many ways – she can be strong and authoritative, yet cry over a love triangle between her, Peeta and Gale right before she goes to fight. She has morphed into a persona that traded her peace for a bigger cause and Lawrence managed to show us that transformation, both from the inside and out. Long-gone are the pretty dresses and compromises – Katniss now wears unisex clothing and seems more like a dystopian Joan of Arc, fierce and courageous. She is truly a refreshing sight in the world of film where women are mostly used as a sideline or a distraction. Unlike the others, even when she is feminine, none of the men present can really outshine her or have as much depth as her.

The film isn’t necessarily bad, it’s just the worst one of the four. It will be a pleasurable experience for die-hard fans, but not for critics, as well. Even though it’s at times too slow and too gloomy, it truly feels like the end. The battle has been won, the illusion has been shattered and the people left can only pick up the pieces.