| Overall: | B- |
|---|---|
| Violence: | D+ |
| Sexual Content: | B+ |
| Language: | B |
| Drugs/Alcohol: | C+ |
| Run Time: | 142 |
| Theater Release: | |
| Video Release: | 18 Aug 2012 |
| MPAA Rating: | |
| See Canadian Ratings | |
| How We Determine Our Grades | |
Why Is The Hunger Games Rated PG-13?
Violence: The premise of this film revolves around a competition where two-dozen adolescents are forced to fight to the death until only one survives. They are provided with a variety of weapons (except guns) to accomplish this task. Scenes show teens maiming and killing each other, yet explicit details of blades and arrows puncturing bodies are shown on only a few occasions. Other combat scenes feature a rapidly moving camera or editing that cuts away to obscure violent details. Blood effects are frequent, including close-ups of gory wounds. Some teens band together and plan their offense. The coordinators of the event are dishonest and manipulate the rules of the game and emotions of the contestants. Animals are hunted and killed.
Sexual Content: A teen boy and girl have an obvious attraction to each other. Another teen boy and girl become fond of each other and eventually share a kiss. A girl’s clothes are removed as she is cleaned and prepared for public display, however very little of her body is seen.
Language: At least half a dozen mild profanities are included.
Drugs/Alcohol: An adult character is frequently inebriated. Other characters are seen drinking socially.
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About the Reviewer: Rod Gustafson
Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. He currently serves as the President of the Alberta Association for Media Awareness, a provincial non-profit society. He also authors a regular column for The Parent's Television Council in Los Angeles. He and his wife Donna have four children.
