Thanks to director Francis Lawrence and, above all, star Jennifer Lawrence, the final film in The Hunger Games saga, Mockingjay Part 2, is a fitting tribute to Suzanne Collins’ unforgettable novel.

The movie even improves on some of the book’s weaker elements; Francis Lawrence demonstrated competent use of Jennifer Lawrence’s excellent acting ability throughout the film. Jennifer Lawrence played the part of the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, as she explores the difficulties that come with being a hero , and her role as a martyr for the cause juxtaposed with her emotions on being her own person.

The Katniss of Mockingjay Part 2 isn’t as singularly focused as the one in previous installments. This Katniss is sure of very little other than that President Snow, the antagonist of the movie, must go, and Jennifer Lawrence beautifully captures the intense pain of Katniss’ journey, of her loneliness and heartbreak and fierce devotion to those she loves.

That’s not to say that the film is perfect: It fast-forwards a few dramatic scenes that some book fans will not miss, like the blossoming friendship between Katniss and Johanna, played by Jenna Malone, that gets modified into a couple of conversations. Similarly, the strength of Katniss’ ideal feelings for fellow Hunger Games victor Finnick, played by Sam Claflin, whose marriage to Annie, played by Stef Dawson, is quickly glossed over in a single brief scene.

But otherwise, the director and screenwriter keep the movie on track and suspenseful, even as it seems like one long, deadly obstacle course to Katniss’ unforgettable showdown with President Snow.

At one point, Katniss asks someone why he’s helping her, and he replies that she’s earned a long and peaceful life. After four films of Lawrence playing Katniss, who wouldn’t agree?

I would give this movie a 8/10 .