ReportWire

Tag: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

  • What to Watch Before The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

    What to Watch Before The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

    [ad_1]

    The upcoming movie “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” is a screen adaptation of the Suzanne Collins book of the same name. The story is a prequel to the main Hunger Games series, but you might be wondering what movies you should watch before seeing this blockbuster (and why).

    Do be aware that this article will contain spoilers for the main Hunger Games movie and book series. Consider this your first and last *Spoiler Warning*.

    Do You Need to Watch the Hunger Games Movies Before Seeing Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? Answered

    The first movie adaptation of the Hunger Games book series came out over a decade ago, meaning even the most die-hard Hunger Games fans from the early 2010s have probably forgotten a few details regarding the story and world.

    Since ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ is a prequel, viewers will likely be expected to remember basic details about the world of Panem. If you want to brush up on your Hunger Games knowledge before going into the new movie, rewatching the old ones is a great way to make sure you catch every detail and essential piece of story-building from the new film.

    Every Hunger Games Movie in Order

    The original Hunger Games book series has three books that were adapted into a total of four movies: The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2. If you’re thinking about rewatching some of the movies but aren’t sure which ones will be the most helpful, here’s a breakdown of each film in the series and why it may be a good idea to watch it again before seeing the prequel.

    The Hunger Games (2012)

    Image Source: IMDb

    As the first movie adaptation of the book series, the original Hunger Games movie is a must-watch before Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

    While the main cast of Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), Effie (Elizabeth Banks), and the rest of this movie’s tributes obviously don’t make their appearance in the prequel, this movie also serves to introduce the character of Coriolanus Snow. Played by Donald Sutherland here, his character acts as the star of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, with his younger self Tom Blyth in the new prequel.

    It’s also perfect if you feel like you’ve forgotten all of your Hunger Games facts, as it sets the stage and introduces the viewers to the world of Panem. All of the basics of the series’ premise, from the Games to Tributes and the conflicts bubbling beneath the surface.

    It’s a great place to start and will give your brain a quick refresh on the world and characters that are key to the series’ premise.

    The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

    Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) presenting a speech in front of an armed guard in 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'.
    Source: Lionsgate

    The second movie adaptation follows Katniss and Peeta after their explosive victory in the 74th Hunger Games, their forced involvement in the next 75th Hunger Games, as well as the rapidly growing rebellion in Panem.

    This movie also follows President Snow, exposing an even crueler side of him as he attempts to suppress the rebellion with any means necessary. The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes will likely explore many aspects of Panem’s society that made the future rebellion inevitable—as well as how Snow interacted with the world and how that shaped how he eventually led the nation—so.

    The interactions between Katniss and Snow during this movie likewise give fascinating insight into Snow’s character, allowing viewers to learn much more about him than they did in the first movie.

    If you’re binging the entire Hunger Games series before going into The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, then this movie is essential viewing and will give you a great reminder as to some of the details on Snow’s characters that will be nice to know when going into the prequel.

    The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)

    Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) in military gear walking through rubble.
    Source: IMDb

    Following her rescue from the Quarter Quell in the previous movie, the first part of the final book’s movie adaptations focuses on Katniss after the destruction of District 12.

    The movie follows the protagonist’s struggles to adjust to life after the games, her new life in District 13, and her new role as the symbol of the Rebellion. Peeta, meanwhile, has been captured and brainwashed by President Snow.

    While this movie focuses on significant plot points regarding Snow, it focuses more on introducing the character of Alma Coin, who serves as the leader of District 13.

    It’s also important to note that while Snow is undoubtedly an important character in Mockingjay Part 1, his role is mostly reserved for scenes where he’s seen trying to suppress the rebellion, and character exploration moments stay focused more on the former tributes, residents of District 13, and Alma Coin.

    If you want to watch the rebellion unfold, you’ll want to watch this movie. But if you’re more interested in content focusing on Snow as a character, this movie could probably be skipped.

    The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)

    Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) shooting an arrow, next to Cressida (Natalie Dormer) in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.
    Source: IMDb

    Mockingjay Part 2 was the last Hunger Games movie released before the upcoming Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

    The final movie follows Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Finnick, and other characters as they attempt to overthrow President Snow and his regime once and for all. It also focuses on Katniss’ final actions as a symbol of the rebellion and the choices she makes for the betterment of the future of Panem. As a finale to the series, this movie wraps the story up nicely, depicting both the end of Panem as we knew it and President Snow himself.

    If The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is going to show audiences the beginning of Snow’s character arc, then watching this movie is essential for seeing the end of his arc. The interactions between Snow, Katniss, Peeta, and the rest of the game survivors in this movie are exciting and give some great insight into how the events of the series have impacted all the characters and their values.

    If you want to make sure you’re not missing out on any foreshadowing during The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, you’re going to want to ensure you watch the final movie of the main series before diving in.

    About the author

    Lina Hassen

    Lina is a freelance news writer for Twinfinite. She loves JRPGs, slice-of-life simulator games, rhythm games, and playing Tekken with friends. She is currently receiving her degree in International Relations-Political Science with a minor in Media Studies at Wellesley College.

    [ad_2]

    Lina Hassen

    Source link

  • Here’s If You Should Stick Around For a Ballad of Songbirds & Snake Post-Credits Scene

    Here’s If You Should Stick Around For a Ballad of Songbirds & Snake Post-Credits Scene

    [ad_1]

    The Hunger Games’ Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is finally in cinemas. As viewers are introduced to a younger version of Snow, you might be wondering whether to stay in the theaters to catch a glimpse of what’s to come. Does Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes have post-credit scenes? Keep reading to find out.

    Based on Suzanne Collins’ 2019 novel, The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes is set 64 years before the original Hunger Games films, which starred Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The dystopian prequel follows a young President Coriolanus Snow before he becomes the wicked leader of Panem. It’s directed by Francis Lawrence, who was involved in all but the first Hunger Games installment.

    The movie centers on the relationship between 18-year-old Snow (Tom Blyth), who’s chosen as a mentor in the 10th annual Hunger Games and paired with District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a traveling musician. Throughout the film, we watch Snow as he undergoes a process of self-discovery, tussling between his emotions for Lucy Gray and a growing thirst for power. In the end, he ultimately evolves into the infamous President Snow we’ve come to recognize.

    In an interview with MovieWeb, Blyth explained that Coriolanus was “not just one thing,” but rather the character transforms over time because of his relationship with Lucy Gray and the Capitol. “He ends up as a tyrant, but 64 years before that, he was something else entirely. And the interesting part is seeing what he goes through to get there,” Blyth said. “I keep saying, I hope that by the end of the film, you see three distinct Coriolanus’ — Coriolanus the boy, Coriolanus who’s becoming a man, and Coriolanus Snow, the future president. Hopefully, you see his body and his voice change with that.”

    The film also stars Hunter Schafer as Snow’s cousin Tigris, Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul, Peter Dinklage as Dean Casca Highbottom and Jason Schwartzman as Lucky Flickerman. 

    Without giving away too many spoilers, should you stick at the end of the showing for any post-credit scenes? Find out below.

    Does Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes have a post-credits scene?

    The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

    Does Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes have a post-credits scene? The answer is no, the Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes does not have a post-credits scene at the end of the movie.

    The book the film is based on also doesn’t have a sequel, so it makes sense that there’s else nothing to tease regarding continuing Snow or Lucy Gray’s story. The decision not to have additional teasers at the end is not unusual for the franchise, as the original Hunger Games movies also did not have end-credits scenes.

    However, the ending of Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes does make a reference to the OG Hunger Games films that fans will appreciate. (Warning: Spoilers ahead of the film’s ending.)

    In the final shot, we see Coryo smiling, but we also hear a voiceover from his older self (played by Donald Sutherland), saying, “It’s the things we love most, that destroy us.” That’s the first line Snow told Katniss in Mockingjay Part 1.

    The film’s director Francis Lawrence told People on Nov. 17 that the line was actually added after the fact when Lionsgate included it in a sizzle reel and the teaser trailer.

    “I thought it was just perfect because there was something about that line, that even though it didn’t have that kind of history and intention in the original Mockingjay, suddenly you go, ‘Oh wow, there’s a new history to it. There’s a new context for this line,’ because part of the reason that he goes dark is this sort of betrayal of this relationship and this love that he had for this person,” he explained.

    Lawrence continued, “It sums up, partly, the relationship, it gives context to that line in the other movie, but also you’re seeing Snow more formed, and then hearing Donald’s voice, it sort of connects the two,” he adds. “I just thought it was really powerful.”

    Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is now playing in theaters.

    [ad_2]

    Monica Mercuri

    Source link