The Hunt is the most well made and yet most difficult to sit through film this side of Salo or Irreversible. You sit there frustrated about the situation at hand and yet I can't honestly see people walking out or not saying this is an incredibly well made and performed film. It's very difficult to review this film without making it seem like something you may not want to see. However, I will directly inform you that this is a great film.
The film stars Mads Mikkelsen as Lucas...a lonely school teacher whose life is slowly getting worse and worse. His life hits rock bottom when Klara (Annika Wedderkopp)...a student of his tells another schoolteacher that Lucas raped her. The whole town soon finds out and Lucas is completely alienated.
The toughest thing about watching this film hands down is that the film only shows Lucas's nice side. By doing this....we the audience HAVE to believe that no such thing took place. In fact...throughout the film...Lucas is abnormally calm about what's happening to him. Also...as people who believe that no rape took place, the audience will get increasingly mad at Klara as she lets this whole thing spiral out of control despite her many chances to stop it. Lastly---the film is very difficult to watch because the whole town turns into monsters themselves. Whether Lucas raped her or not....the town is being awful to him.
However, the film is great in many aspects. Mikkelsen, as always, brings a less is more approach that seems to always work for him. However, it is especially suitable for this role. He manages to give Lucas more life and sympathy than anyone else could. Also...Wedderkopp in her first role is fantastic. Even if we hate Klara for what she's doing...this actress is going far. Writers Tobias Lindholm and Thomas Vinterberg give the audience tons of dynamite dialogue and a must see ending that is worth the price of admission alone. Also...Vinterberg, serving as director provides the film with many cool visual tricks that actually help elevate the story.
The Hunt is an indescribably tough film to sit through. However, if you're willing to muscle through it...you'll find a very rewarding experience lying ahead. Mikkelsen is particularly excellent but the whole cast and crew should be proud of what they did. This is truly a film that shouldn't be missed.
(4 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for sexual content including a graphic image, violence and language)
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