Review - Weeping Willow: A Hunger Games Fan Film


        Hey guys, Chuck here. One of the most popular film series of the decade, outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is The Hunger Games. Based on the book series of the same name by Suzanne Collins, the series was very successful, both critically and commercially, for about four years in a row, turning a major profit for Lionsgate Films, as well as making actress Jennifer Lawrence a household name. On top of the films themselves, there are also a number of fan made projects inspired by the series, including a five-part series of videos produced by various YouTubers in conjunction with Lionsgate as part of a viral marketing campaign for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1. However, the fan-made project I'm taking a look at is a fan film called Weeping Willow. 

            Set during the 52nd Hunger Games, this fan film focuses on Willow and her older brother Tristan, two siblings from District 7. We meet the two as they are getting ready for the Reaping, and two things are made clear: one, that this will be Willow's first year having her name in the bowl to be drawn for the Hunger Games, and two, that their parents both passed away and Willow and Tristan are all each other has. So, during the Reaping, Willow is chosen as the female Tribute in District 7, and just before the male Tribute's name is called, Tristan quickly volunteers. 

          We then cut to the arena, where the Hunger Games is about to begin, and of course, the bloodbath ensues, and Willow goes into the forest. She quickly finds an ally in District 9 Tribute Cindra, who helps Willow reunite with Tristan, who is, himself, a target of the Career Pack. Following the Careers, Willow and Cindra locate Tristan, who does not completely trust Cindra, and opts to give her a survival pack and head off with Willow. Overhearing this, Cindra turns on them and offers to help the remaining Careers with taking out Tristan. After leseading the Careers to them, the Careers turn on Cindra and snap her neck, killing her. Tristan then proceeds to fight off the Careers, but Willow sadly dies during the struggle, leaving Tristan as the lone victor of the Hunger Games.

          As far as fan films that I've seen go, this is the one that feels like it would belong in the world of the series it was based on. The look, feel, and tone all fit within the world of The Hunger Games, and I definitely applaud directors Maxwell Swet and Annie Poling for accomplishing that. I also enjoy both Nicole Moriarty and Peter Lama as Willow and Tristan. The other performers, including Mary Elworth, who plays Cindra, are amazing as well. All in all, I really enjoy this one, and if you're a fan of The Hunger Games, check this one out. It's available to watch on YouTube, and I think you'll enjoy it. I give Weeping Willow: A Hunger Games Fan Film a rating of 4.95/5. 

                                                                  This is Chuck signing off. See you guys next time.

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