Catching Fire Reaction Paper

Catching Fire is the follow up film succeeding The Hunger Games both movies both being based on the books written by Suzanne Collins with one more movie adaptation to come soon. The trilogy depicts a futuristic society from the ruins of the post apocalyptic North America (now called Panem). It is ran by a central authority called the Capitol which rules over 13 districts. Due to a rebellion, the Capitol destroyed the 13th district and as punishment for the other districts formed the Hunger Games where 2 representatives (children aged 12-18) from each district will compete in a battle to the death. The trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen, a victor of District 12, and her role in the new rebellion against the Capitol.

Cacthing Fire is science fiction film as of now. All the technology in the film is to futuristic compared to what we have now. If we had that kind of technology now, it is possible for our lives to be alleviated. We can cure amputees and other diseases, transportation would be much better and work would be done much easier and more efficiently. In other words our lives could be better if used properly. It is possible though that in the near future we would be able to attain this kind of technology. But as of right now that is just merely science fiction.

The film in my opinion is a commentary on past, present and future society. Past because the idea of the Hunger Games is similar to the myth of Perseus and the Minotaur where the myth was that children were sent to the maze of the Minotaur to appease the king. There are similarities to that of to the Hunger Games. So it represents ideas of past societies. Present because of the ideas the film advocates like fight for freedom, fight for what is right, change. These are ideas we fight for at present. We all aim to be free and independent and as of now we have achieved that in a way. No country completely rules over another but instead influence one another. Future because of the technology. The film shows what we can achieve as a human race: all the technological wonders. You can even say that the reason why there is a rebellion is because they looked to the past for inspiration. So the past, present and future are all connected in this film. 

Technology and society both failed and succeeded in the film. It failed because 1.) we failed to learn from the past (dictatorship) 2.) the technology was used to abuse and exploit the citizens when it had the potential to do good. If succeeded as well because 1.) it shows that we are still human because we continue to learn and adapt to the situation (the rebellion) and 2.) we don't forget our roots. I guess we can only truly tell if it failed or succeeded in the next film.

Hunger Games: Catching Fire

                The Hunger Games trilogy of Suzanne Collins is an adventure-themed series of books for young adults turned into motion picture. More than just fiction, it can be better classified under the science fiction category considering elements of the novels which is related to scientific and technological advancements as hinted in the mode of transportation (sophisticated designs of trains and vehicles) and media equipment (holograms and special machines); as well as some elements of the story which are invented and imaginary no matter how realistic they seem to be.

It has aspects which are composed of blended details of the past, present and future which seem like pristine civilizations being influenced by powerful colonizers with the objective to turn the former into submission. The story also raises strong social and political issues with the upper social class getting hold of the lower classes’ every action and to prevent revolution from the lower classes, fear is grown – a situation similar to the histories of a number of countries in the past. Details of the future can be seen in the set-up of the capital where systems are built with advanced structures compared to the districts. This shows the technological gap.

There are aspects of science, technology and society incorporated in the setting of the 13 districts which made a good blend to the story considering the historical issues which can be seen through a thorough analysis of the story plot. Science and technology is dominant in the capital which makes use of advanced mechanisms and systems, and the development of structures with complex capabilities like the dome where they put the district representatives to battle against each other. Aspects related to society are depicted through the presence of the districts which nearly resemble the social stratification (like the Caste system in India or the feudal system in the Medieval Ages). There is also the resistance of the classes belonging to the lower tier who then start revolution to obtain freedom or independence from the higher tier – similar to the Philippines during the Spanish era.

In general, the movie Catching Fire has aspects that when further studied are very informative to young adults. It shows the blend of the past, present and future with a focus on the social and societal aspects of civilizations and the use of futuristic structures and equipment.

Reaction Paper – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The movie, The Hunger Games:  Catching Fire, is an adventure film based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, Catching Fire. This film is the sequel to The Hunger Games that belong in The Hunger Games Trilogy.

 From the creative mind of Suzanne Collins made this story undeniably a science fiction. The world of the 13 districts differs from our everyday world. The story takes place in a dystopian post-apocalyptic nation called Panem. Collins was able to write her novel as she was inspired from what she saw as she did channel surfing on television.  Such visions were from a reality show and from news involving the invasion in Iraq. Thus, these visions were noticeable in her novel and the depicted film. On the other hand, she also based her creations from the Greek myth of Theseus as she described Katniss as a futuristic Theseus and such framework was provided with Roman gladiatorial games. The film may have based and used things from the real world but such imaginative mind made it a science fiction. The advancement in science and technology itself is too much if we compare and align it with our today’s knowledge.

The film may have also based on the past especially in wars like in Vietnam and Iraq. More than that, it aligns with the aspects and angles over Ancient Greek times. However, the film’s nature as a science fiction already depicts itself as a commentary on future human society. But then, how could we differentiate future and past without the measurement of time but by just interpreting merely its characteristics? Most inventions and discoveries we have now are rooted from imaginative minds of the philosophers of the past and the scientists of today’s time. The extreme advancement in science and technology that is depicted in the film is most probably the result of Collin’s imagination that she actually based from such observations that are actually from the past. Thus, we could only imagine things in the future based from our past. We use the concept of cause-effect for the creation of future in which Collins used as she drew an idea from combined aspects of several past events.  Poverty is easily witnessed in their world and such situation drives the people too much under the Capitol which is comparable to slavery that people is rooting for their rebellion. The mode of government lead by President Snow could also be compared from the past especially for Greek times. Well, the idea of science and technology still leads their world as commentary on the future.

Science, technology and society may have succeeded in the world of the 13 districts in many aspects especially through science and technology. However, such things have failed in the most important one which is the humanitarian aspect. Science and technology may have been advanced but used in a wrong way. Things are just used for several people taking advantage but not for the entire people in which poverty and rebellion are the best evidences.

Catching Fire (Reaction Paper)

Written by: Denise Anne Castro, 2013-14434

Breakthrough Technology, Fragmented Society

            Catching Fire, the compelling sequel to the Hunger Games franchise is a movie that offers much more than visual spectacle and gripping doses of suspense. Successfully satiating the appetite of loyal fans of the series, it easily climbed up the box-office lists. Digging beneath all that success, one can find a poignant story that explores themes of survival, morality and rebellion.

            The film fits right into the criteria of science fiction. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world, a time in the distant future. The Capitol consists of numerous advanced innovations such as holograms, force fields and hovercrafts. This level of technology is not yet attained in real life. It is also considered a science fiction film because Panem presents an absurd dystopian reality that is far from our own. The important role of science fiction is to awaken poignant questions about reality and existence.

            Although set in the future, the film’s themes go beyond its timeframe. In the past, there have been many instances of social stratification. In the caste system of India, people are bound to a certain level in the hierarchy. Special privileges are reserved for those on top and many rights are violated for those at the bottom. In the world of Panem, those in the Capitol are obviously on top of the hierarchy. The districts are beneath with the poorest ones experiencing the worst of poverty. The totalitarian type of government lead by President Snow is also something that has been experienced by some countries in the past. Nazi Germany lead by Adolf Hitler is the most famous example. He controlled all aspects of the society, even ordering the death of the Jewish race.

To the people residing in the districts, life is a painful routine of work. To the people living in the Capitol, a life of luxury is acquired without even lifting a finger. Similar to the world of Panem, our present world revolves around money. Politicians are driven by greed to steal the nation’s money while those stuck in destitution work day and night just to have meager means to survive. The rich get richer and poor get poorer. The horror of having such an unbalanced society that offers no social mobility is something that we may have to face in the future if we continue with the rise of capitalism.

            In terms of science and technology, the world of the thirteen districts has reached its peak. They have gone to the point where it is possible to manipulate the weather and genetically mutate animals. Unfortunately, the people did not use this advanced technology for the betterment of the whole nation. Only the people in the Capitol were able to make use of this technology while those in the other districts were left behind. This just goes to show that no matter how cutting-edge technology can become, progress can never be attained with a fragmented and unstable society.

'The Hunger Games : Catching Fire' Reaction Paper

The Hunger Games Trilogy is theoretically a young-adult series about a girl's brawls in a post-apocalyptic world where food is scarce and children battle for the entertainment of the upper classes. The 2^nd book of this trilogy entitled ‘Catching Fire’, in my opinion is science fiction for it gives the readers and its viewers a window of a world only ‘The Hunger Games’ can give. It is an alternately thrilling and depressing view of a world burning with hope that Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) unintentionally started by simply surviving her first Hunger Games. The Hunger Games = The Quarter Quell – survivors, sacrifices, deaths, love, friendship, alliances. A whole new world where anything can happen in just one second or maybe two, it doesn’t matter because in the blink of the eye, everything is not the way it’s supposed to be. A vast arena made of technology only a few can ever imagine. A new technological basis I could wish for over and over again. It is completely different. In one word, startling.

“The past determines the future” as quoted by the elder’s, some do believe, some don’t. But what made me believe in this is the Catching Fire. It is a complete shadow of The Hunger Games. The Quarter Quell which happens every 3 years has an exact goal as to the Hunger Games – one survivor from the 12 districts will be held as the victor. Only one, not two, not three, just one. It is a past practice that is being held in place, and that’s the reason why maybe it lasted in 75 years and counting. The Quell is a distinction of what is going to happen in the future. It is still a symbol of the manifestation of rights, injustice, bloodshed and sorrow. Catching Fire is indeed one movie that depicts the past, present and future of human society.

Technological gain and advancement in the modern world still shows uncertainty whether it will do good or bad in the 13 districts. But one thing is certain, that this advancement in the field of technology is planned by the Capitol – for benefits, money, vices. With these improvements, they can do whatever they want. It would’ve been better if the 13 districts together with the Capitol worked together in order to maintain the wealth they have. But instead, the people suffered more. They were continuously beaten by guards, no one escapes, and nothing remains when onslaught happens. Technology advanced to another level and this is clearly shown in Catching Fire’s battle schemes, arena, weaponry, entertainment (like how Caesar’s able to reach Katniss and Peeta).

To sum up, Catching Fire presented other-worldly and exceptional advancement in the world of technology. But this technological advancement instead of giving relief to the people of the 13 districts did no good to them. Everything in life, I guess is never an option or chance, but rather a choice.

A failure – science, technology and society in the world of the 13 districts.

le catching fire reaction paper

The movie, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, was done in a futuristic setting with futuristic science and advanced technology making it a science fiction movie. The Games’ arena and its equipment themselves portrays technological advancements and their culture represents a post-apocalyptic way of living. Post-apocalyptic fiction is under science fiction which displays a world or a civilization after a catastrophe. Take their advanced arena, equipment, aircrafts, etc. as an example. Undeniably, the movie is under science fiction.

Since it is a science fiction movie, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a commentary on future human society. Although some things can be traced back to the past, and some can be related to the present human society, the movie depicts the future human society more. For example, the Games are similar to the Rome’s gladiatorial games – a fight to the death.  The tributes play the role of the gladiators. Gladiators were commonly slaves or condemned criminals who are forced to fight other gladiators or wild animals for punishment or just entertainment for the audiences in the Roman Empire. Similarly, tributes were selected annually to be part of the Games as a punishment for the past rebellion against the Capitol. The Hunger Games is televised for the entertainment of the rich people at the Capitol much like Roman elites. Also, comparing it to the present, the movie includes reality shows and entertainment which people today find these kinds of shows interesting and enjoyable to watch. Though somehow their society (in the movie) was more like from the past, the splash of technology makes it look like the movie was a commentary on the future human society.

Advancements in technology and knowledge about science do not guarantee a success in the world of the 13 districts. Only the Capitol benefits from it. They have the money and wealth to produce and buy what they want. It should have been better if all of the people in the movie, not just the rich ones in Capitol, benefit from the technological advancements. Progress in technology was seen in their transportation, entertainment (like the camera they used to interview Peeta and Katniss), etc. However, most of their technological advancements were used only in violence and entertainment for the rich.

Overall, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire displayed extremely advanced technology and exceptional scientific knowledge. Technology (especially machines) should have made the world of the 13 districts easier but no. Like we always tackle in our class, “Technology is neither good nor bad.” But I guess it depends on how you use it to your advantage or to the whole society’s betterment.

Science, Technology and Society in the world of the 13 districts, for me, failed. L

Catching Fire: Reaction Paper

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is marketed as belonging to the genre of Young Adult (YA) because it is targetting an angst-driven audience who can relate to the grim setting and action-packed story of Katniss Everdeen and the Tributes. Even so, it is also undeniably a work of science fiction which integrates technological advancement with the plot of the story: A fight to the death, along with computer-generated baboons makes a box-office hit. Take the movie's futuristic helicopter, the hovercraft, as an example. Better yet, think about the cool hologram computer system which assigns and produces threats and challenges to the teenage Tributes.

Actually, the movie's concept can be taken as an extension of the sci-fi protest films prevalent in the 70's and 80's (see Blade Runner). What I found interesting about Catching Fire is that I cannot have questioned its post-apocalyptic logic vis-a-vis a knowledge of what has happened before and what's happening around the world right now. Dictatorship? Nothing new. Poverty? Nah. A dizzying swirl of gadgets, mode of transport, attire, and televised reality shows? You get the idea.

A word about the elite: They are always the benefactors and beneficiaries of technological advancement. They have the money to produce and buy them. This is true for the futuristic Capitol in Hunger Games. This could also be true for us, in real life. There is no middle class in the Hunger Games. The dichotomy is only between the poor, working-class people of the 12 (or 13?) districts and the elite residents of the Capitol with their technology and funky hair 'do. Definitely, The Hunger Games franchise revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where we see an advanced level of technology and social standards. But this is only visible in the Capitol. The 13 districts are poverty-stricken, and scarcely anything can be associated with the “progressive”domain of the select few who reside in Panem's capital. Meaning, only a small percentage of people actually benefit from Panem's technology. Who are they? The elite. The 1%.

The Hunger Games is televised for the amusement of the rich people at the Capitol but for the horror of those watching their home-grown “heroes” back at their respective districts. When we inspect the role of science and technology in the Hunger Games, it offers us a bleak view of what technological progress can mean at a time of tyrannical pressures of the Capitol (personified by President Snow) to the almost-hopeless workers from the districts. Since we can only catch a glimpse of the 13 districts through their Tributes, what we know about them is mostly implied. We know that each district has its own industry because the Tributes wore costumes according to what their district produces. But the people from the districts are like the working-class of present-day countries in miniature, like how cheap laborers in China manufacture iPhones of today.

Verdict

 “Progress” in Panem's tech and society: Fail.