Let me be honest, I’ve only just finished watching “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
I know, I know, I’m a fake Hunger Games fan, I’m SORRY.
To be honest, I was looking forward to watching the movie when it premiered in 2023, but as you might guess, everyday life tends to interfere, and I just couldn’t find the time for it. I caught a few snippets here and there, but never really had the chance to watch the entire film from start to finish. However, with all the recent updates about the upcoming prequel movie, I felt compelled to finally see the original.
And let me tell you, I was very surprised. It blew me away. Let’s get into it.
The Entire Cast Was Great – Especially Rachel Zegler
In any movie adaptation of “The Hunger Games”, you can expect a spectacular performance that leaves you amazed. Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss in the initial film, won an Academy Award for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook” the same year. That’s impressive talent. Similarly, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”, being a part of The Hunger Games series, promises nothing less than brilliance.
As a cinephile, let me tell you, the entire ensemble in this movie is nothing short of sensational. Peter Dinklage was phenomenal, and I’ve been a fan since before his days on Game of Thrones. In fact, my admiration for him preceded that role. Viola Davis, as usual, was captivating. And Tom Blyth’s portrayal of young President Snow was so compelling that it almost made me empathize with the character, just a hint of sympathy, you understand?
Indeed, Rachel Zegler delivered an outstanding performance, and she’s one of my personal favorites. Admittedly, I’ve admired her since her lead role in the West Side Story cast, sensing her potential to become a prominent up-and-coming Latina actress. This character suits her wonderfully, and honestly, I can’t get enough of Lucy Gray Baird – I hope we’ll see much more of her in future projects!
But there’s one other character that I ended up liking just as much – if not more.

But Surprisingly, I Really Loved Josh Andrés Rivera In This Role
As a movie enthusiast, you might be curious about the actor behind Sejanus Plinth, the Academy student who joins Snow in District 12 after losing faith in the Capitol when he witnesses his tribute perish during the games. That role was brilliantly brought to life by Josh Andrés Rivera, and I must confess, I absolutely adored this character!
It’s clear that he wasn’t the central figure of the film, but one aspect I consistently admire in dystopian literature is its comprehensive exploration of the dystopia. This involves revealing the individuals who uncover their government’s true nature, gathering knowledge, and eventually drawing their own conclusions. That’s exactly what transpires with Sejanus – his journey leads him to collaborate with rebels, only to be ultimately deceived by Snow and executed.
This moment is truly authentic. It’s pivotal to include this scene in a film like this because it seemed as if everything was progressing exactly as it should. This death serves as a catalyst for many subsequent events, and it’s a spark that ignites understanding in someone who has finally grasped the Capitol’s true nature. Sadly, we only got to see him for a brief time on screen.

It Makes Me Wonder Who Will Steal The Show In Sunrise On The Reaping
Reading through the impressive lineup of actors for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise at the Reaping“, featuring Elle Fanning as Effie, the esteemed Ralph Fiennes as Adult Snow, and many others, I can’t help but ponder which performer among them will truly shine.
Surprisingly, I found myself captivated by Sejanus beyond my initial expectations. His demise left me genuinely saddened, as I was eager to explore the aftermath of the rebellion, the potential outcomes when someone from the Capitol assumes power, and more. Now, I’m curious about who in the next installment will leave a lasting impression on me.
Regardless of the choice, I’m confident that “Sunrise on the Reaping” will be equally impressive, if not more so. It seems like it’s high time to embark on a marathon viewing of these films. Here’s hoping luck is always on your side as you discover where to stream them.
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2025-05-26 03:09