Contemporary case study of violence and emotion: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games was released as a 12A at the cinemas. this was after classification processes suggested that scenes of blood should be removed from the film to bring it down from a 15 rating.


There has been much debate around the film and wether it is in fact suitable for younger audiences. some argue that without the visual effect of vioelnce the scenes have more impact becuase the audience connects more emotionally with the victims, thus making it more shocking.

for instance in this scene below, blood and sound have been removed.

This article discusses parents views on the film:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/mar/28/hunger-games-12a-classification-concerned-parents

It is also interesting that the trailers, which are rated as PG, do not cover the actual games but instead focus on character and family and even the potential love story. 


Things you could consider:

• The books are not regulated yet the film is.
• The trailers are rated PG but the film is not, why would producers choose to dumb down the trailers?
• Why would they choose to cut the film rather than leave it at a 15 rating?
• is this film going to disturb or upset those under 12?