Although this film is part one of two, it doesn’t feel tedious. There aren’t any endless scenes of waiting in dark, snowy places (a la Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1). There are no epic fight scenes or lengthy monologues, barring President Coin’s speeches. The movie ends with a scene that’s incredulously redeeming. yet leaves you feeling curiously hopeless.

Those familiar with the book would know what to expect and may be satisfied with Part 1. However, if you have not read the book and base your expectations simply on The Hunger Games and Caching Fire, Mockingjay—Part 1 is dissatisfying.

The sequel felt like more of the same with Philip Seymour Hoffman as the games designer Plutarch Heavensbee being the only plus point. The third book in the trilogy is split in two — I am sure it makes marketing sense, but am not sure how it helps the story. Julianne Moore is the only addition to the cast and she kills the role of rebel president Alma Coin with icy calm.