The Hunger Games film, based on the original novel by Suzanne Collins, has been skyrocketing in popularity and generating enormous amounts of hype. However, I know novels that are adapted into films often lose their enchantment. Not this time. The film amazingly exceeded my expectations.

The story is set in a futuristic repressive and controlled society in which most of America is divided into 12 districts and each year one boy and one girl from each district is selected to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death in which only one child survives.

The main character, an intelligent and strong girl named Katniss, is entered as the “tribute” for her district when her little sister is chosen for the position. She and Peeta, the boy chosen from her district, use their cunning and fortitude to navigate their way through the perilous Hunger Games.

Two years ago when I learned about the book and its plot involving children killing each other to survive, I was appalled. Nevertheless, I became so hooked that I read the first book in a single night. Remarkably, The Hunger Games is just as gripping as the novel and even more realistic.

The movie is consistently fast paced and enthralling. Although the plot is violent and rather gory, the action is captivating and moving. I was pleased to find that the film is thoroughly faithful to the book, with nothing at all significant deviating from it and no important details discarded.

The emotive success of The Hunger Games comes from Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. She steals the show with her incredible performance and is the movie’s clear star. Her acting is stellar and I believe she captures the complex essence and emotion of Katniss perfectly.

The Hunger Games comes to life brilliantly and is everything I hoped it would be. Everything from the amusing theatrics of the elaborate and avant-garde Capitol to the grief of the children during the games was riveting. I believe all who enjoyed the books will love seeing it on the big screen, along with many people unfamiliar with them.

Aran Kirschenmann, 15, is a contributing writer for the Bellevue Reporter and a sophomore at The International School in Bellevue. You may reach and connect with her on her Facebook page “The Young Critic.”