Movie review: ‘Mockingjay Part 1’ is inevitably – unfortunately – a softer narrative

Fans extolled the introduction of Katniss Everdeen’s allure and spectacular quest in "The Hunger Games" and the blend of combats, profundity, and humor in "Catching Fire", but they might notice a 180-degree change in the series’ third installment, "Mockingjay, Part 1", with its silent story of passion and politics. This must be due to Hollywood's trend of splitting highly followed films into installments for further takings.

But it’s Jennifer Lawrence. It’s young adult literature. It’s people wanting a quick retreat from their own Panem or District 12.

"Mockingjay Part 1" centers on Katniss being styled by District 13 to become the face of rebellion against the Capitol, and her goal to save Peeta with the help of her new and old friends.

The film begins with Katniss distraught over the events in the arena in "Catching Fire" and what happened right after that. The first half of the movie is all about that actually, regrettably. The difference is as scenes run from one to another, she remains bogged down by the same mental and emotional circus through negotiations, a camera crew, and conversations that emphasize over and over again that the wrecked village needs inspiration through a hero.

It’s the unwanted prolonging of the same point, which was commonsensically already proven in the first two installments—that Katniss is the heart of the battles both inside and outside the arena, and that there is a nation whose hope hinges on her power and popularity—that causes the film’s starkness.

There are bomb explosions here and there, but emotional explosions are louder throughout this chapter, from the reality-TV-show ways of carving Katniss as District 13’s Mockingjay to the very last scene.

The film is slightly peppered with the well-loved unintentional comicality of Katniss, and Lawrence's commitment to the character is incontestable.

The other usual favorites are there too, including the refreshing presence of District 12 escort Effie (Elizabeth Banks) and Plutarch (the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who effortlessly makes political choreography appear light). There are also poignant scenes depicting the strong bond between Katniss and her sister.

Julianne Moore is an interesting addition to the series as Alma Coin, the president of District 13 who is leading the uprising alongside Plutarch. In the film, the soft-spoken character remains a mystery as she is clothed with political duties, and not much about her history is revealed.

Is the story of "Mockingjay Part 1" essential? Yes. It humanizes the Mockingjay: the weakness, the dilemma, and the typical triumphs and threats of young love.

The reason films about war disturb us is because these are stories about human lives suffering, vanishing, or getting corrupted. But also undeniable is the success of the movie as grand metaphor for the reality that politics runs like showbiz at its core. And that the powerless souls at the bottom of the pyramid are the victims of the game of war.

Is making the story of "Mockingjay Part 1" a stand-alone essential? Of course not. But the revenue-generating scheme is here already. This is a work of literature, a narrative, after all. It is just that the first part of the whole tale is simply setting the stage. This may bring some fans down to earth, and some may have to wait for "Mockingjay, Part 2" to see how Color Force and Lionsgate justify their decision to split the story. — BM, GMA News

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1" is now showing in cinemas.