This is a storify document for our introduction to media class. We will be discussing the involvement of the book/movie phenomenon of Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collines, in the uprising against the government in Thailand. We'll discuss the context of the book/movie and then discuss and reflect on the protest.
Storified by Justin Hauck ·
Thu, Dec 04 2014 22:54:46
The first hunger games book, The Hunger Games, came out on September 14th, 2008 and started its crazy journey.
Scholastic printed 50,000 copies, which was eventually bumped up twice to 200,000 copies. Just two years after its release it had sold over 800,000 copies. By March 2012 it had been on America's Best Seller List for over 135 weeks. The list of accomplishments goes on. In the next two books of the series, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, Collines continues the story of the first to tell a riveting, complete story of Katniss Everdeen.
In the story-line there are 12 districts who are ruled by The Capital that holds all the power, wealth, and security. Every year the Capital forces the 12 districts to draw 2 names, one of each gender, to take part in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games, in reality, would be our Monday night football or Thursday night hockey games. It was their form of entertainment. However, this entertainment was watching 24 young people kill each other in a created arena just for the games, until one remained as the victor. The book tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, from district 12, who joins the games and ends up becoming a part of a revolution against the Capitol. She becomes the face of rebellion and freedom. It is through this story that Thailand has picked up some of Suzanne Collins fictional ideas and made them a reality.
This wouldn’t be the first time that people have taken this fictional story into reality. Some people claim that the story talks about the poor vs. rich, hungry vs. full, needy vs. luxurious in the real world. The districts represent the variety of ethnic groups. There is a decent percent of our society that takes offense to this story because they think it is representing society.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-hall/the-hunger-games_b_1384969.html
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After the great success that The Hunger Games books were having, it was just a matter of time before a film studio would want to scoop up the story and turn it into a movie. In March of 2009, a smaller, independent film studio named Color Force purchased the rights to the story for the film adaptation, and in conjunction with Lionsgate, production got underway. From the three book series, the first two books were made into separate films, and the third book was split up into two films. For the first film, Suzanna Collins actually did the adaptation herself from book to film script, and then the director, Gary Ross, along with screenwriter Billy Ray reviewed and revised it. After completion, the film, simply titled The Hunger Games, went on to be a huge box office success, ultimately making nearly $700 million worldwide.
After such a success, it was obvious that the film series would continue, only this time, Gary Ross was replaced by Francis Lawrence as director. Continuing the story from the first film, the second installation of the story, this time titled The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, was also a huge box office hit, making nearly $160 million at its opening, and eventually grossing $865 million worldwide.
For the third installment, Mockingjay – Part 1, Lawrence was brought back again as director, and, as expected, the film also did very well at the box office, making $121 million on its opening weekend, although it did receive some negative criticism for lacking a lot of action. People have argued, though, that the lack of action will be made up for in the fourth and final film, with an exciting storyline now set up after Part 1. Mockingjay Part 2 is set to release in November of 2015.
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Based on the Daily Beast article by Asawin Suebsaeng, The release of the Hunger Games-Mocking jay part 1 has inspired groups of young citizens in Thailand to stand up to their military-run government using the world famous three-finger salute that was used in the movies.
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This salute according to Suebsaeng represents a sign of rebellion against the government and the junta (military). There is a reason why these citizens from Thailand are rebelling against their government. For many decades, Thailand has been struggling with many political and governmental issues especially issues dealing with their citizens. Many of these citizens were rioting and protesting against their government and their junta because of the many laws that were being put on them. Thailand during these years has gone back and forth between content environments to a very violent chaotic environment. Because of the numerous amount of resistance with their people, Thailand’s junta decided to take matters into their own hands by overthrowing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006. Eventually, the junta assumed control over the entire government which was already very militarily based. They said that they realized that their country was getting very unstable and disorganized. They thought that they were getting rid of the problem when they decided to this but, in truth, they only made things worse when they gave power to the May 22 military coup which was led by General Prayut and his junta. It was this action by the government that drove the citizens to take action.
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After watching the first two films from the Hunger Games saga, On June 1, 2014, many citizens including some who were democratic activists began the peaceful and silent protests on June 1, 2014, using the same three -finger salute that was used in the movies. This sign of resistance was not taken very seriously by the government at first because they thought it was nothing to be concerned about. As months have passed, however, the unveiling debut of the Hunger games- Mockingjay part 1 came and was released to theaters across the globe with flying sparks that inspired the protestors even more. The Junta threatened to ban the use of the three-finger salute in order to keep the peace and to get rid of this problem once and for all. The protesters, however, ignored this threat and continued on using this salute despite the consequences that may come their way. These consequences, unfortunately, had come their way on November 19, 2014, when five students from Khon Kaen University were arrested for saluting the three-finger salute at General Prayut during a campaign speech. They were sentence to attitude adjustment and taken to a military camp called Sri Patcharin where they would be held at.
Another consequence occurred on November 20, 2014, when three students were arrested at a movie theater in Bangkok, Thailand. While being taken out of the theater, one student salute the same three finger salute next to a large debut poster for Huger games –Mocking jay part 1 . The student had a chance to explain why she was doing this and why she felt that she had the right to do so. She said that” they came out express their opinions and to tell that they have a right to watch Hunger games”. She also said that this movie shows that Thailand is not free because of the government’s control over them. She included that everyone should have the same rights and declared that the three-finger salute may be the way to gain their freedom.
According to Suebsaeng, Most people understood why the filmmakers and stars did not say a lot during this situation. They knew that their jobs were to entertain and to make a living doing that. Brian Adams, an executive director of human rights watch in the Asian division, does not think this way at all. His argument is that the filmmakers and stars were not saying anything during these protests and arrests. He did not understand why they would not want to say anything. He believes that the filmmakers and the stars should have said something because it was their responsibility to do so. He declared that they should have been there for them and they should have taken their side. I agree with The Hunger Games Director Francis Lawrence as wells the other crew members who see it differently especially Lawrence. He heard about these protests when he still producing the new film. Lawrence was not sure what to think or say about the situation. He said that he had “mixed feelings about it “because of what was happening to the students using the Hunger Game salute. Although, he said that “My goal is not for kids to be out there doing things that are getting them arrested”. He also explained that “It’s just when the stakes become real, and … they’re affecting people and affecting families.” It gets very, very complicated”. He also said it was “an honor” that they were using this and it meant something to them. Lawrence mentioned that if the students used the salute to express what they believed than he does not see the problem with this. Although, he said that there would obviously be a cost for what they’re doing. Lawrence concluded that he does not really like that it happened but he hopes that all of the people involved understands the cost for their actions.
!['The Hunger Games' Stars Silent on Thai Protesters]()
'The Hunger Games' Stars Silent on Thai ProtestersThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, the latest and most violent and mature entry so far in the smash-hit franchise, begins playing in movie theaters around the world this week. In this year's installment, the revolution is underway against the oppressive, child-slaughtering Capitol.
Apex Theaters, one of the largest theater chains in Thailand, has placed a ban on the Hunger Games playing in any of their theaters. Many theorize that the chain was under pressure from the government, which was concerned that the Hunger Games franchise was the inspiration for anti-government protests borrowing imagery from the films. However, Apex has not confirmed any government pressure, and claims to have banned the films of their own accord to avoid stirring up unrest.
Meanwhile, Mockingjay has been met with a similar reaction China. While not explicitly banned, the film’s premiere was cancelled. Reports are conflicting as to whether the cancellation is permanent, as some claim it will be released next year. The official explanation offered is that the government is protecting domestic Chinese films from foreign competition. However, it may be a response to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that have the Chinese government worried. After seeing how the film inspired protests in Thailand, China may fear that the current protests would be strengthened should the film be released.
!['Mockingjay' Ban? Movie Pulled In Thailand and China Amid Fear Of Real Life Revolution]()
'Mockingjay' Ban? Movie Pulled In Thailand and China Amid Fear Of Real Life RevolutionIs there something to the Mockingjay ban in Thailand and last-minute cancellation in China? Fans in these Asian nations have been looking forward to seeing the movie, as have Hunger Games fans the world over. However, as the first half of the Hunger Games finale hits theaters, there seems to be concern that the movie could stir up a real life revolution.
The film’s cancellation in China could have financial repercussions for the studio. China has become Hollywood’s largest market outside of the United States. It is a growing market for American blockbusters, as seen from the latest Transformers film breaking Chinese box office records with $300 million. Online piracy is common in China and the film’s cancellation or delay will likely drive many people to watch it online instead. While the worldwide success of the Hunger Games is essentially assured, the loss of Chinese markets threatens to leave its mark.
