For all the Hunger Games movies so far, as a mom, I feel the best about older tweens and teens seeing Mockingjay – Part 1. The revolution is getting under way, and the violence is less personal and less morally hazy. Parents will be relieved to know the kid-on-kid violence that was especially prevalent and disturbing in the previous films is now a thing of the past. With all that in mind, here are three compelling aspects of Mockingjay -- Part 1 that I think 12-17 year olds (and their moms and dads) can appreciate:
1. Critical and independent thinking are highly valued. Revolutions aren’t happenstance. And the use of propaganda is often necessary to start a war. The movie shows how District 13 is the nucleus of the revolution, orchestrating the support of the other districts through a series of video transmissions and images. Katniss is their tool. But, Katniss doesn’t accept this position lightly: Does she want to be the face of a civil war? Is revolution the answer? What are the consequences to her family and friends? Mockingjay 1 takes kids behind the curtain, and puts the process of war on display – it should be an eye-opener for a lot of young people.
2. War is not glorified. Moving toward a war should be a considered and thoughtful action and Mockingjay 1 shows the road to war is paved with horrors. Unfortunately for Katniss, she has the PTSD to prove it, and we’re able to see the profound effect her trauma has had on her.
3. Katniss does not have superpowers. Jennifer Lawrence’s phenomenal portrayal of Katniss is the glue that makes this film series work for me as a parent. Someone less talented could be fine and the movie would still do well, but J-Law’s Katniss has great depth. Every decision she makes, every arrow she shoots, and every step she takes to support the revolution is not flippant, hasty or egocentric -- it’s a measured decision toward what is the best choice for all, herself included. Typically, our ample array of superheroes enter into the fray without thought – their villains are obvious and their objectives clear. Because of their unnaturally superior skill set, courage isn’t always a part of it. Superheroes kick, punch and smash for truth and justice because they can, it’s what they do. That’s not the case for Katniss, a truly strong role model who relies on her head and her heart to guide her.
