I have just seen the Hunger Games at the cinema and have come away feeling depressed, appalled and livid in equal measure. What I saw was quite simply a sick thing as it flagrantly breaks one of the last remaining taboos in the West. To add insult to injury the film was rated 12A and obviously aimed at children. I've even heard that toys are available. The very fact that this is mainstream cinema for kids and appears very popular is disturbing, The fact that adults made it for kids is utterly depressing. What the hell has happened to our view of childhood?
12A. It's all about the money. More boxoffice takings than if it was a 15. Kids today can watch incredible video games with mega fantasy violence - OK even if they're an 18 certificate we know they get their hands on them. Sadly kids do grow up much faster these days, there is so much available for them compared to 20 or more years ago and the marketing people know this.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Yorkie. I had a bit of a rant I'm afraid. The Hunger Games upset me. I know the subject matter has been covered before - Lord of the Flies, Battle Royale - but these were decades ago and a Japanese B-movie respectively. The Hunger Games is a mainstream movie for masses of modern kids. As you say, marketing and money rule.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a weird world. People moaning about kids growing up too fast but nobody seems to want to stop all the rubbish that makes that happen. All you get it just a resigned 'Oh, that's just the way it is now'. Sorry, my mini rant over. I have a 8 year old son who I'm trying to bring up right and luckily he's more interested in running about and playing with Lego than the computer. He's also just as happy to watch Catweazle as he is Ben 10.
ReplyDeleteI was in my local Walgreen's (chemists) of recent and saw the display of Hunger Games toys before I had any real clue about the film or the books, color me a cornflower blue.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what this film is about, but it sounds truly awful which, sadly, is par for the course these days. What is the taboo it breaks? Or is the clue in the title? (ie, is it cannibalism?)
ReplyDeleteThe 'taboo' is children killing other children Toad. I've read various reviews since blogging this and I'm definately in a minority. The film seems to have captured a moment in time. Something to do with a sense of hopelessness in today's youth or something like that. It's based on a million-selling novel so the book obviously struck a chord with kids as well. there's more books so there'll be more films worst luck. Come back JK Rowling. all is forgiven!
ReplyDeleteYou and me together, I suspect, Woodsy. It does seem tasteless and worrying. Thanks for the warning - a film I shall stay away from.
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