Suzanne Collin’s ‘Catching Fire’, a sequel to the 2008
bestseller ‘The Hunger Games’, has been the talk of the town a few days back
since it was already premiered in a number of movie theaters all over the
world. I’m sure that most of the fans (and also those who are not really fans)
of the ‘The Hunger Games’ trilogy surely rushed to the movie theaters to have a
look of the said movie. I prepared myself for the worst, since there are books
which were made into motion pictures that are really disappointing. But it was
different this time. You see, when I went out of the theater, I was still into
the movie. I literally cannot get over it. It was more than what I have
expected. And by the way, I have read the book.
Anyway, the movie is considered as sci-fi since it depicts a
country that’s so affected by numerous scientific advancements. If you’ve seen
the movie, then you’ll know what I’m saying. One very good example was the
interview with Katniss and Peeta outside their homes in the Victors’ Village.
Who would’ve thought that those type of cameras exist? Well, it does exist
though, in their world. The hovercrafts are a testament too. There were also
several events in the film that are observable in our society today and in the
past and even in the future. The revolt of the people because of the unjust
ways of President Snow and his minions is similar to what happened to the EDSA
People Power Revolution during the 1980s. But this revolt of the people of
Panem is yet to end. The bloody Hunger Games also is similar to the Roman Empire’s
famous gladiator games which were held in the Coliseum. It was a games where
the players fight to death and whoever stays alive in the end, wins.
Furthermore, the people’s day-to-day struggle to survive is also present in both.
Even until now, people always strive hard to survive. Also, because of the
fast-paced scientific development, surely the future may look somewhat like
that – the use of hovercrafts, force fields and even the creation of deadly
mutations will be rampant.
I think Science, Technology and Society failed in the world
of the 13 districts. Yes, there was a great advancement in technology – bullet trains,
man-made arenas, force fields, you name it – yet no matter how advanced
technology was in their country, it didn’t make any significant difference in the
lives of the people in the districts. Instead of giving them comfortable and
easy lives, technology was used to enslave them, abuse them and even worse,
kill them. Therefore, the three failed. They weren’t able to serve their
purpose well. But then again, it still depended on how it was used by the ones
in power or even the people. =)
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