The Hunt- It really is scary to think that a single lie from a child could actually destroy someone’s life. We like to think that children are innocent and don’t lie, but sometimes, like all of us, we will make up something that tell ourselves is the truth. In the new film, The Hunt, such an issue is raised and shown the consequences of such a lie. In the film, Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) is a very popular and highly respected Kindergarten teacher who lives in a small town in Denmark. After trying to get life back on track following his recent divorce, Lucas devotes himself to being the best teacher he can be and provide proper guidance for his students. Lucas is also constantly looking out for Klara (Annika Wedderkopp), a student of his and daughter of his best friend Theo (Thomas Bo Larson). Then, one day, after becoming angry at Lucas, Klara claims that Lucas exposed himself to her. At first, the teachers wonder if this is true, but soon come to the realization that there is no way that she could possibly lie. Meanwhile, Lucas is fired from his job and told to stay away from the school pending the investigation. Then, after everyone in the town learns of the incident, Lucas’s life becomes a living hell as he finds himself fearing for his very life from an angry mob that could care less to learn the truth that he is innocent. Eventually, Lucas finally is able to tell the truth, but will he ever be vindicated? Directed by Thomas Vinterberg and written by Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm, The Hunt is a powerful, haunting and thought provoking character study. Acting as a sort of modern day witch hunt, The Hunt actually has the guts to take on the very unsettling topic that it covers by asking tough questions and not being afraid to answer them. It does so by using the angry mob mindset of the people of the town, but gradually building the noose tightening for Lucas. Giving Lucas the all important life in this film is Danish actor Mads Mikkelson (best known as Hannibal Lector on the television series Hannibal), whose pitch perfect performance is powerful, endearing, and heartbreaking all at the same time. And, while I do believe that the film’s resolution is not quite as convincing as it should be, The Hunt builds to one of the most shocking final shots that I have seen in any film in quite sometime. Bottom line, The Hunt is a tough film due to its subject material, but the performance of its very talented lead, the compelling and courageous script that dared to take risks, and its downright heart stopping final moments make this a very haunting film that is unsettling, but very important. 4.5 out of 5.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 03:34:34 +0000
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