Mockingjay Part 1 - To see or not to see?

Almost every book reader in the world has had that moment. They're sitting in a movie theater, watching the screen adaption of their favorite movie. The title rolls by, and BAM! The movie begins with the poor reader cringing in the front row at every last mistake and rewrite the directors have crammed into the book's screenplay. 

I'm looking at you, Lightning Thief. 

But this isn't the case for every book-to-movie adaption. Don't punch me if you disagree, but Mockingjay: Part 1, in my opinion, is one of the most accurate portrayals of a book I've ever seen. 

Not perfect. But close. 

The movie starts out with Katniss in 13, which right off the bat is off. In the book, Katniss starts straight out in the ruins of District 12. Not exactly an extremely important problem, because it happens later in the movie, and gives a little exposition similar to Katniss' thoughts in the book. 

Another addition to the movie was the focus on President Snow's life and choices throughout the rebellion. For example: his speeches, or murders of citizens. While this was not in the book, there is a justifiable reason for this part being included: Katniss never saw it herself. In the Hunger Games trilogy, the scenes are only what happen to Katniss. The movie can show the audience scenes that happen to Katniss as well as around Panem. Though this was not really mentioned, we can let this change slide. 

And Peeta. Our beloved Peeta, being held in the Capitol, trying his best to protect Katniss through interviews held by Caesar Flickerman. Mockingjay (the book) has clear scenes when Peeta is desperate to protect Katniss, going so far as yelling at Caesar Flickerman and almost dying. But movie Peeta is a bit more reserved, almost puppet-like. And though many fans were disappointed about the haunting image of Peeta's blood splattering the floor being omitted, this was mostly to preserve the PG-13 rating.

Obviously, there are details that a die-hard reader fan will readily recognize in the movie, but other then those details the book and the movie were very similar. The plot line was almost parallel to the book, straight down to the rebelling districts and characters' development. The plot twists are spot-on, and the suspense and action are perfectly balanced. So, if you're a book nerd who's afraid of watching another bad movie adaption, don't worry too much. Even without a few details, the movie is pretty spectacular and true to the amazing novel it was based on. You won't be disappointed.

by Chloe F., TAB Member