Aurelia Lucinda

I loved the original hunger games books and movies. I never read this prequel and just watched the movie. The movie reminded me of why I loved the series so much. It is a villian origin story and usually I don't like justifications being given for what can be considered evil. This movie just felt perfectly poetic. The music and Lucy's singing was beautiful. It brought everything full circle by introducing Katniss plant, the poison, mockingjays, etc. (spoilers) Though the end is ambiguous I thought even that was perfect, the confusion created with the mockingjays and Snow giving up his last bit of humanity in that frenzied state.

So far 4 episodes are out. I didn't like the first episode, but episode 2 to 4 has been really great. Most of the cast are not any I've seen in kdramas before but it makes it refreshing. The drama is well paced and eventful. I am rooting for the leads and the antagonists are the actual worst.

This movie was insane. All the special effects were great. The general atmosphere created was grey, dark and dirty it all added to the story very well. The story itself was so well written and directed. It reminded me of animal farm and 1984. The commentary on human behavior; what people would do to survive, how people feel a sense of superiority over others that are less fortunate, and what a sense of power can do to some. Even the ending was almost to say that you don't get to walk away free if you give up your humanity. My nerves were wrecked watching this but I also couldn't stop watching. Best movie of 2023 for me.