Hot Topic: The Hunger Games

| March 27, 2012

 Well, you may have been living under a stone on an island – or just not have internet or TV – to not have heard about The Hunger Games movie released last weekend.  It pulled in over $155 Million just on it’s opening.  Facebook, Twitter and the blogosphere have been lit up for weeks in anticipation of it’s release.  So, in light of this, I thought I’d write up some things to consider as a Christ follower (don’t worry, it’s not ALL bad):

  • Of course, it started out as a book, and so the endless conversation of “Which is better?” has been taking place all weekend.  Personally, I like what the fine folks over at Blimey Cow had to say about that question.
  • Consider the message of the heroine character, Katniss Everdeen; the big sister who sacrifices her self to take the place of her little sister in the lottery chosen to participate in the games.  Michael Johnson over at Visionary Family Ministries points out some thoughts to consider under this umbrella.
  • The issue also of children being lotteried out of their families for entertainment’s sake is also something we must certainly consider.  It’s problematic on two fronts:  1) children being taken away from their parents and 2) the idea of  ”death sports” hearkening back to gladiator games.
  • The sacrifice of Katniss for her sister and family is one of noble character and, as a Facebook friend noted, very well may have saved her family from starvation and her sister from certain death.

So, is there ever the situation where we enjoy something like a movie simply for entertainment purposes?  What do you think of the movie – especially if you saw it?  Would love to hear your feedback…

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Category: Culture Cafe, Engaging Culture, Entertainment, Family & Marriage, Movies, Youth Culture

About the Author ()

Dean Butterfield is the founder of Reclaiming the Home and has been involved in vocational ministry for 9 years working in children’s & family ministry.  HIs passion is encouraging and equipping families to disciple their children in their homes.  Along with that, is doing the same for churches.  "I believe God's primary plan for evangelism and discipleship is with multi-generational faithfulness centered in the home.  I have a BA from Anderson University in Family Science and a Master's in Children & Family Ministry from Bethel Seminary (where he blogged for the Cory Center for Children’s Ministry)." He is also the owner of RTH Marketing and lives near Detroit, MI with his wife Lori and their five children.
  • http://shanevanderhart.com/ Shane Vander Hart

    I wouldn’t recommend seeing it without first reading the book (Like I did).  It leaves out a lot of context.  Other than that it brought up all sorts of discussion points.  Also, I thought the dynamic of the Capitol people who seemed to only live for indulgence, that too made me think of Ancient Rome.

  • http://twitter.com/CalvaryGirl Wendy

    I’m with Shane- having read the book I carried away a greater appreciation of the movie / storyline that someone who only saw the movie. That being said, my 13 yo son LOVED the movie and intends on reading the book. If people who have never read the books or seen the movie would just stop criticizing it before they had the facts! It’s not glorifying ‘kids killing kids’- it’s very much anti big government; many themes of love and loyalty, anti violence, even. VERY good movie.

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