Catching Fire Reaction Paper

Corpuz, Raiza M.

2013-14987

Catching Fire Reaction Paper

                Science fiction is defined to be fiction based on imagined future scientific or technological advances and major social or environmental changes. Catching Fire, sequel to the Hunger Games is indeed a science fiction film. One main example of the futuristic technology shown in the film is the arena where the tributes compete for survival. The arena’s climate, topography and flora and fauna are controlled by a computer operated by a group of people. Such technology is so advanced and therefore does not exist today. Other minor examples include the spaceship and the force field.

                I believe that the film is a commentary of the past, present and the future. The film Hunger Games involves this plot: chaos, then the Capital emerged to control the warring districts, superior and inferior societies emerge, abuse, and finally rebellion. These series of events resemble the relationship of the government and its people.

                In the past, these circumstances are very evident by means of war and invasions. In the present however, it is less chaotic and the idea depicted by the film still continues on. People either make silent or public protests; they rebel against the government; people who come in the way of the higher power are terminated; inferior struggles against the clutches of the inferior.

                So why is the film a commentary still of the future? I believe that this two-way relationship does not end just by declaration of independence or any thing that will make the people think they’re free and equal. Human abuse will still exist, evidently or not, and I believe that the people will not just tolerate that.

                In the film, technology was used by the Capital to take control of the people. Technology exists in the annual Hunger Games and therefore it plays a great role on the slaughter of other human beings. I believe that technology failed in the world of the 13 districts because it became a tool for bad deeds. However, in the film, technology made way for the people to realize that it was time for them to stand up to the Capital. Through the media, they saw a girl show compassion to another girl from another district. They saw a girl disobey the rules of the Hunger Games which is considered as a reminder to the people of the war years ago. Through technology, a clear message was passed onto the people. Therefore in this film, I think technology both succeeded and failed.