Gary Ross’ blockbuster sets itself apart from its bedfellows in the young-adult arena, delivering an excellent action-drama that surprises you with its emotional punch, and deadly serious subject matter.

The dystopic country Panem is segregated into twelve districts, which are ruled by an ultra-modern metropolis called The Capitol. Bought to life through the fantastic work of the production team, all the districts are industrial environments straight out of the Great Depression; which strikingly contrasts with the privileged citizens of the Capitol, who wear extravagant Elizabethan outfits in bright neon shades.

This taste for spectacle goes beyond the ruling class’s fashion choices, as we discover that they hold an annual survival game where pairs of tributes from each district, aged between twelve and eighteen, must fight to the death. Furthermore this is given a chilling, satirical twist when the event is promoted as a reality-television extravaganza.

There is a very ominous, threatening atmosphere in the film, as we watch those characters who revel in the monstrous game. However, the director Gary Ross appropriately tones down the violent scenarios between the children so that the film could obtain its 12a rating.

The camera never lingers on violent interactions, which unfortunately at times means that the battle scenes are hard to concentrate on, as the swift succession of shots makes the image very blurry.

Any parents still concerned by the films adult themes, will find a moral compass in the stoic, intelligent performance by Jenifer Lawrence as the protagonist Katniss. Watching Katniss bravely attempt to come to terms with her unfortunate situation, away from her beloved sister Prim, is a deeply moving experience.