Fans are buttering their popcorn and clearing their schedules for November 17, 2023, to understand the backstory of the infamous President Snow. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel to The Hunger Games. This prequel follows Coriolanus Snow in his journey as a mentor during the 10th Hunger Games. His adventure holds a battle between choosing to obtain power or upkeep his personal morals.
The first Hunger Games took place after a significant revolt that caused a war. The war took a toll on the Capital and district civilians, so the government decided to institute the annual Hunger Games. These games include 24 tributes, a girl and boy from each of the 13 districts, who are thrown into an arena. The tributes must then fight to the death, until only one victor remains. The games were introduced to fabricate a stronger sense of power for the capital and remind the districts of their rebellion.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a powerful motion picture about the struggles of life in Panem. It all begins with the Snow family, who are an image of control and strength, as they work to keep the influential Snow name alive after being severely affected by the war. Coriolanus Snow receives an opportunity to mentor the female tribute from district 12 during the 10th Hunger Games. He is adamant to succeed because the winning mentor receives a bonus fund, The Plinth Prize, which would greatly help his family. Snow and his tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, collaborate to create a spectacle of the games. They use her singing abilities to swoon over the audience, as the audience can now place bets and purchase necessities for tributes in the arena. As the games begin, they both encounter many difficulties that affect the future of many. Coriolanus Snow can be a striking figure, but will Lucy Gray’s fiery personality melt his Snow?
This anticipated film obtains several eminent actors who strike the audience’s love for the movie. Starring Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler, this film is destined to forever be in our favor. The casting of this movie includes several other talented performers such as Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow, Ashley Liao as Clemensia Dovecote, and Josh Andrés Rivera as Sejanus Plinth. All of these skilled thespians have collaborated beautifully to create a monumental cinematic experience.
Overall, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a wonderful movie watching experience that takes the viewer on a roller coaster of emotions. We believe this film deserves 4/5 shields. Although this movie may slightly differ from the book, the adaptation is just as compelling. From a moving soundtrack to impressive storytelling, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a movie worth the watch.
