Sunday 6 May 2012

Winding Down and The Hunger Games


After a busy week just gone, and a busy one to come, sometimes we just need to wind down for a while and, in my case, stay away from the computer for a couple of days. So that's what we're doing in an hour or so - taking a couple of days off and visiting one of our favourite parts towards the east coast (we live on the beautiful west coast), to walk, swim (inside!) and read. Okay, I'll probably sneak in some writing, but only with pen and paper. We hadn't even realised it's an official holiday weekend, so neither of us will feel guilty about taking Monday off.

I went to see The Hunger Games with my daughter yesterday. I haven't read the books yet so I only knew a vague outline of the story. Have to say I really enjoyed it - but I like a touch of fantasy in fiction. The filming, actors and plot were all good, but I didn't like the violence between the young people and that's an integral part of the storyline. It was cleverly filmed, however, so that it didn't dwell on most of it. The heroine was a great role model and I was glad to see little vignettes of human kindness within the story. Donald Sutherland is still a force to be reckoned with!

While watching, I suddenly remembered Lord of the Flies and the shipwrecked children's cruelty to one another, which was horrific in its day. At least there was a purpose and reason to what happened in The Hunger Games, even if that was a terrible one, and it was largely outside the young people's control. I can almost guess what happens in the following two books, and presumably films, but I'll certainly want to see them. And I must now read the books. Apart from anything else, most of us are keen to see what makes a bestseller!

Have a good weekend,
Rosemary

10 comments:

joanne fox said...

Have a lovely break.

We did Lord of the Flies back in the days of O Level English, and I have never forgotten it. A very powerful book.

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

Enjoy your break. We've just had a hail storm, so everything crossed the weather is a little kinder on your side of the country.

I loathed Lord of the Flies. We were forced to read it for o' grade. But daughter has The Hunger Games books and I've heard good things about those, so one of these days, when I have time...

X

Talli Roland said...

I haven't seen the movie or read the book! I would like to, if I ever get through my massive TBR pile.

Teresa Ashby said...

Hope you have a lovely restful break and that the weather is kinder than of late :-)
I read Lord of the Flies as a child - one of those books that never leaves you x

Joanna said...

I loved The Hunger Games film. My daughters had read the books and I wasn't sure if I liked the sound of the them. But I surprised myself and loved the film. I didn't even fall asleep which is unusual for me at the cinema. I can be really keen to see a film, but still miss chunks of it because I can't keep my eyes open once I've sat down in those comfortable seats and the lights are dimmed.

Have a lovely, peaceful, restful weekend, Rosemary. It sounds idyllic.

Karen said...

I'm another who hasn't read the books and was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the film! Classy production, great acting and and exciting story - can't ask for more, really.

Enjoy your Bank Holiday :o)

Vikki said...

I was pleased with the film adaptation, can't wait till the next one now! I meant to say there's been a lot of comparison between the Hunger Games and Battle Royale (a Japanese film about a group of children abandoned on a desert island who must fight until the death). Suzanne Collins claimed she had never seen (or even heard of it). Just shows you that no idea is ever going to be truly original! I finished the last book in the trilogy yesterday - unsure about one way it ended but on the whole the books were a great read!

Diane Fordham said...

It is good to wind down. I boycotted the computer/internet over the weekend. Lord of the Flies, brought back some distant memories. I might re-read that one day. :-)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Powerful indeed, Joanne!

Weather was fairly kind, Suzanne, thanks!

Great film, Talli, and I want to read the trilogy now!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Teresa - had a great time!

Glad you enjoyed The Hunger Games, Joanna!

Completely agree, Karen!

Interesting about the end, Vikki - need to read them now!

It's great to have a break, Diane!