Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past six months, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Hunger Games trilolgy, which have been turned into a multi-million dollar movie. On opening night, The Hunger Games raked in almost $214 million opening weekend alone. This makes the Hunger Games the third best-selling movie in box office history. Sales keep climbing and they aren’t expected to stop.

Based on the popular book trilogy, The Hunger Games chronicles the harrowing experience of 16 year-old Katniss Everdeen competing in the 74^th annual Hunger Games. The Hunger Games were created after the 13 districts of Panem staged a rebellion that failed. To punish the remaining 12 districts, the Capitol decreed that each year, two tributes, a male and female between the ages of 12 and 18, would be dropped in an arena and fight to the death, while the rest of Panem watched.

During this time, Katniss and a baker’s son, Peeta Mellark, fight for their lives while encountering danger, tragedy and resistance.

While some parts of the book were left out, The Hunger Games followed most of the book dutifully. The action and tension described in the book were transferred perfectly onto the big screen. Jennifer Lawrence, as Katniss, was both believable and impressive. The entire cast, including Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, Liam Hemsworth as Katniss’ hunting partner Gale, Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy, were all exceptional.

Of course, considering the violent nature of the books, the movie might be found disturbing to some people. The images of children killing children, while powerful, might be too graphic for younger audiences.

The Hunger Games is a must-see for everyone. The action, sacrifice and turmoil offers something for everyone.