Cast
Jennifer Lawrence
Josh Hutcherson
Liam Hemsworth
Elizabeth Banks
Wes Bentley
Stanley Tucci
Woody Harrelson
Donald Sutherland
Toby Jones
Screenwriter
Billy Ray
Director
Gary Ross
Running Time
142 minutes [cut by 0m 7s with substitution]
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. (Lionsgate)
The company chose to make cuts in order to achieve a '12A' classification. A number of cuts were made in one scene to reduce an emphasis on blood and injury. These cuts, which were implemented by digitally removing sight of blood splashes and sight of blood on wounds and weapons, were made in accordance with BBFC Guidelines and policy. An uncut '15' classification was available.[BBFC]
I've not read the books so maybe the film doesn't do them justice but I found it very ordinary. Whether the cuts were responsible I'm not sure. The shaky camera didn't help and they used it from the beginning not just limited to the actual games.
