The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Parent Review by the Unicorn. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch
Movie: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Rating: PG-13
Age Suggestion: 13 and up
Running Time: 2 hrs and 38 mins
Release Date: November 17th, 2023
Warnings: Contains physical violence, gun violence, and murder
Quick Songbirds and Snakes Summary
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes tells a story that takes place long before the infamous 74th Hunger Games, starring a Capitol student named Coriolanus Snow, the future president of Panem. The movie follows him as he mentors the female tribute from District 12 in the 10th Hunger Games, and how he became an evil fascist dictator.
Songbirds and Snakes Parent Review
-Is Songbirds and Snakes Appropriate for Younger Kids?
Due to the nature of these movies, with children killing each other, this movie might not be the best pick for younger kiddos. There is a fair amount of blood and gore, though reasonable for a PG-13 rating. Use your best judgement as to what your child can handle!
-Characters & Acting-
This cast was superb! Rachel Zegler is fantastic as Lucy Gray, and her voice is gorgeous. Tom Blyth played a very convincing Snow, while giving him a lot of depth. He really does feel like the President Snow we see in the original trilogy. Josh Andrés Rivera, Hunter Schafer, Peter Dinklage, and Viola Davis are all standouts as well. I also really enjoyed Jason Schwartzman as Lucky Flickerman.
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Related Content: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Book Review
-Script & Story-
The movie has been commended for being a great adaptation of an even better book. The biggest thing missing is Snow’s internal dialogue, which helps to highlight his inner thoughts, but I felt that the absence wasn’t too horrible. The story does drag a little bit going into the 3rd act, but it picks up as you get to explore District 12 from Snow’s eyes.
-Film Quality-
The quality of the movie was great! The costuming was interesting, the set was a nice blend of what we see in the previous movies while also distinguishing it from Panem of the future. There were lots of interesting cinematography moments that made it visually interesting. I loved the callbacks to the original trilogy, my favorite being Lucy Gray sitting under the tree we see Katniss sitting under talking to her baby. It was a sweet callback!
Related Content: The Hunger Games Movie vs Book
Songbirds and Snakes Discussion Questions
1) How do Coriolanus and Sejanus’ backgrounds differ? How does that affect their beliefs and worldviews? How do you think your background affects your beliefs and worldview?
2) After watching the movie, how do you feel about Coriolanus? How did you feel about him in the beginning? How did his actions affect your feelings towards him? Do you think his actions can be defended?
3) How do Lucy Gray and Coriolanus differ in their beliefs about human nature?
4) Do you think Coriolanus truly loved Lucy Gray? Why or why not?
5) How do the Hunger Games shown in this movie differ from the Hunger Games we see in The Hunger Games and Catching Fire?
Meet the Author- Kate
Kate is a young disabled writer based in Colorado. She’s obsessed with anything Marvel, Disney, or theatre. She can normally be found performing and singing dramatically in the car.
Instagram: @kit_kat_kate_cat TikTok: @kathrynthecat
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