The Hunger Games is an upcoming sci-fi action drama film directed by Gary Ross based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins.

It stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. The film is directed by by Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville).

Fueled by high praises from various film critics, “The Hunger Games” broke records for advanced ticket sales on the site Fandango. The sales were reported to be 83% of the site’s totals, toppling the previous record-holder, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, which set a record on May 14, 2010.

Here is the official synopsis of the movie:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

“The Hunger Games” is scheduled to be released on March 21, in the Philippines, France, Belgium and The Netherlands, and on March 23 in the United States and Canada.

Watch the official trailer here: