Most people are familiar with The Hunger Games scenario. Set in a dystopian future, two teenagers from each district in the country of Panem have to fight each other to the death for the amusement of the Capital, where citizens live a life of splendor and excess contrasting the poor conditions in the districts.

The first Hunger Games film focused on the tributes in the games from District 12, Katniss and Peeta. The second film, Catching Fire, follows up on Katniss and Peeta and how they are affected by their time in the games. In a turn of events, the next Hunger Games draws its tributes from past victors, meaning Katniss and Peeta have to fight for their lives again. Throughout Catching Fire, seeds for rebellion are being planted as uprisings occur.

Now, in Mockingjay Part 1, there is a full scale revolution against the capital. Spoiler alert for Catching Fire, but Katniss destroys the arena and several tributes escape with her to join the rebellion. The film portrays Katniss aiding uprisings in the districts, while she rouses all the citizens of Panem in rebellion. First off, Jennifer Lawrence delivers as always as she plays Katniss with conviction and purpose. Supporting characters also deliver solid performances, especially Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays Plutarch Heavensbee, the idealistic advisor to the rebellion. It is bittersweet to see him in one of his last performances, yet he too delivers a solid performance in one of his last times on screen. The direction is engaging and compelling, as Francis Lawrence never loses sight of the human drama in this large scale story.

The visuals of war scenes are state of the art yet the conditions look lived in, creating a distinct environment of Panem. Even the soundtrack is memorable, especially the “Hanging Tree Song” which will stay stuck in your head long after the movie ends. Mockingjay Part 1 is not just a good young adult movie, it’s a great wartime movie. The horrors of war feel real as does the political allegory.

Mockingjay Part 1 raises questions of the role of government and whether or not the ends justify the means.

Donald Sutherland plays a calculating President Snow, who will stop at nothing to quell rebellion. He takes a Machiavellian approach to politics, believing that bombing a hospital of wounded is worth it if it will quell rebellion. He is driven by ideals just as much as Katniss, and the two play off each other very well as the leaders of two sides of a war.

Looking back, I really have no complaints about this movie. The stakes are raised from Catching Fire, and the stage is set for an exciting and intense finale. This might very well be the best Hunger Games film to date. The first film set up the world but was limited by poor action and a confused screenplay.

Catching Fire improved upon the production value and humanized the characters much more. Mockingjay Part 1 has fully set up a political allegory that is extremely satisfying. Without a doubt, Mockingjay Part 1 is worth full price.