Films to see before The Hunger Games
Classics I haven't seen that share common themes with the hyped teen blockbuster.
I've already seen Battle Royale twice.
I've already seen Battle Royale twice.
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- DirectorIrving PichelErnest B. SchoedsackStarsJoel McCreaFay WrayLeslie BanksA psychotic big game hunter deliberately strands a luxury yacht on a remote island, where he begins to hunt its passengers for sport.Stagey but worthwhile and fairly faithful adaptation of the Connell short story.
Some histrionic acting, a clumsy script moment from the shipwreck to the island but the : thrilling chases through the jungle and exciting struggles in the third act, chemistry between the main couple, pretty good pacing, brief amusement from a character and a convincing protagonist make this a good film for its time. - DirectorPeter BrookStarsJames AubreyTom ChapinHugh EdwardsSchoolboys marooned on a Pacific island create their own savage civilization.
- DirectorCornel WildeStarsCornel WildeGert van den BerghKen GampuDuring the 1800s, a safari guide, two elephant hunters and their crew run into trouble with the natives in the South African veld when they refuse to offer gifts to the tribesmen.Man becomes beast in this survival chase film. Well realised with solid performances, good pacing, some disturbing scenes, tense action and it held my attention when there was little dialogue.
The opening illustrations, narration and simple drumming score was very good too.
I wished for subtitiles when the various African languages were spoken. Another niggle is the blood looking more like red paint which spoilt believability to a certain extent. In addition, the inserted edits of animal attacks sometimes looked incongruous, like it was filmed somewhere else completely. - DirectorNorman JewisonStarsJames CaanJohn HousemanMaud AdamsIn a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game.
- DirectorPaul BartelStarsDavid CarradineSylvester StalloneSimone GriffethIn a dystopian future, a cross country automobile race requires contestants to run down innocent pedestrians to gain points that are tallied based on each kill's brutality.
- DirectorJohn McNaughtonStarsMichael RookerTracy ArnoldTom TowlesArriving in Chicago, Henry moves in with ex-con acquaintance Otis and starts schooling him in the ways of the serial killer.
- DirectorPaul Michael GlaserStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerMaria Conchita AlonsoYaphet KottoIn a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom.If seen as an alternative 80s set dystopian action film with a horrific, reality game show premise, this works.
Arnie delivers funny quips, the action scenes are tense, the Faltermeyer synth score is effective and it's well paced too. Predictable, dated and cheesy yes, but I was entertained, cared somewhat about the protagonists and was shocked by some deaths. I've heard the book's better, though (like most adaptations). - DirectorRémy BelvauxAndré BonzelBenoît PoelvoordeStarsBenoît PoelvoordeJacqueline Poelvoorde-PappaertNelly PappaertA film crew follows a ruthless thief and heartless killer as he goes about his daily routine. But complications set in when the film crew lose their objectivity and begin lending a hand.
- DirectorMichael HanekeStarsArno FrischAngela WinklerUlrich MüheA 14-year-old video enthusiast obsessed with violent films decides to make one of his own and show it to his parents, with tragic results.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsWoody HarrelsonJuliette LewisTom SizemoreTwo victims of traumatized childhoods become lovers and psychopathic serial murderers irresponsibly glorified by the mass media.