“The Ballad of the Songbirds and Snakes:” A Tale of Lost Love
“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Songbirds and Snakes” reveals many hidden mysteries within the famous “Hunger Games” franchise.
The newest “Hunger Games” film, by the series’ veteran director Francis Lawrence, was released on Nov. 17. Adapted from author Suzanne Collins’ book of the same title, the highly anticipated film is a prequel to the rest of the series, bringing viewers 64 years into the past before the events of the first movie.
The film follows a young Coriolanus Snow, played by Tom Blyth, as he mentors the District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler, in preparation for the 10th Hunger Games. The film tells the story of President Snow before the start of his tyrannical reign in the first “Hunger Games” film, exploring the complex relationship between him and the District 12 tribute.
Compared to the previous films, Lawrence took advantage of this new perspective through Snow’s character, providing reasoning behind Snow’s cold demeanor and abusive actions as president. It is all rooted in the relationship he formed with his mentee 64 years earlier.
Before becoming the despised Capitol figurehead, Snow was an ambitious 18-year-old trying to avenge his father’s death and restore his family’s name. With his end goal being for his tribute to win, Snow goes to any length to be the best mentor possible - even if it involves cheating.
As someone who has not watched any of the previous “Hunger Games” films recently, “The Ballad of the Songbirds and Snakes” is a pretty great standalone film. The film has stunning visuals and outstanding performances from its star-studded cast, which includes Hunter Schaffer, Peter Dinklage and Viola Davis.
The aspect of the film that I enjoyed the most is the alternative perspective that Lawrence provides viewers. In the original trilogy, viewers follow Katniss Everdeen as she is an active participant in the games. However, this film flips the script and shows how the games are run behind the scenes.
As someone who is not caught up in the lore of the “Hunger Games” films, I found myself more interested in learning about the complex history of Snow, especially considering the last line of the film.
Without revealing what was said, it encapsulates who Snow is as a character and explains the reasoning behind his relationship with rebellious tribute Katniss Everdeen 64 years later.
With that said, what this film does best is show a different side of Snow that is not revealed in the original trilogy. He is someone who is hurt by something he lost.
“The Ballad of the Songbirds and Snakes” is a great precursor to the original film trilogy, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the series.