The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: A New Take on The Hunger Games
By: Anthony Reitano
Embedded Files
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is yet another book and movie from New York Times Bestselling author Suzzane Collins.
Collins began The Hunger Games franchise with her first book of the same title, which debuted in 2008. Since then, Collins has published three more books: Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and her newest novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, released in 2020.
Her new book is set 64 years before main characters Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark ever participated in the games.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes begins on the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow prepares for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. “The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.”
The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute Lucy Gray from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined - every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake.
The following are reviews from famous movie critics
about The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes:
“Readers of the book will have a better understanding of the power structure of Panem’s Capitol, though the uninitiated may find themselves wondering who exactly is in charge.”
Peter Debruge, Variety
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a worthy addition to the Hunger Games series.”
Rachel LaBonte, Screen Rant
“Rachel Zeigler (Lucy Gray) represents a cross between Jennifer Lawrence’s selfless hero, Katniss Everdeen, from the original films; the beguiling gypsy Esmeralda of Victor Hugo’s imagination; and a pop icon like Taylor Swift, who brings people together.”
Peter Debruge, Variety
“Tom Blyth (Coriolanus Snow) is a canny actor and he’s easy to watch. His take on the character is complex - perhaps even more than the script contains - and it’s compelling to follow Snow’s internal struggle on Blyth’s face as the events unfold.”
Emily Zemler, Observer
“Viola Davis, in her portrayal of Head Game Maker Dr. Volumnia Gaul, infuses the film with a wickedly captivating performance.”
Lauren LaMagna, Next Best Picture
Sources:
THE HUNGER GAMES | Official Website | November 17 2023
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