On DVD and BLU RAY - "The Hunt" ("Jagten") - A kindergarten teacher's livelihood is devastated by a child's imagination in this powerful, moving, Danish drama from Director Thomas Vinterberg (The Celebration). It's a harrowing tale of an honest, good-natured soul pushed to the brink by a misunderstanding. There is no mystery or twist involved here- viewers are subjected to a straight-forward, linear tale where events transpire in a clear-cut manner. It's in knowing the truth that an audience's sensibilities are challenged. I found myself wondering just where I would stand if I weren't 100% sure...
Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale 2006) is excellent as "Lucas", a recently laid-off high-school teacher currently working at a local kindergarten while seeking to gain custody of his teenaged son. When an innocent crush is misinterpreted by school officials, facts are distorted, accusations fly and rumors spread like wildfire across the small, close-knit community. His life is effectively thrown into complete chaos as the hostility escalates and the witch-hunt reaches a fever pitch. This is a dynamic turn from Mikkelsen; from a friendly everyman into an anguished vesper- it's a performance the likes of which (for no good reason) I didn't expect from him. A final shot hints at a character who will never shake the undeserving stigma or find absolute vindication.
It's damned near impossible to harbor any kind of ill-will towards the five-year-old girl at the center of the narrative's conflict, "Klara", played wonderfully by Annika Wedderkopp. The filmmakers handled the situation and her character so refreshingly unexpected and delicately that any blame quickly fades from her and is redirected elsewhere.
Thomas Bo Larsen portrays Lucas's best friend and father of the accuser, while Alexandra Rapaport supplies our protagonist's new girlfriend. Lasse Fogelstrom rounds out the notable cast as Lucas's teenaged son. The toll upon these respective relationships is expected but commendably bucks formula.
This is yet another beautifully filmed piece of cinema (amongst a banner year of great cinematography) that is deftly written and directed, complete with fine performances across the board. The Hunt is both infuriating and heartbreaking social commentary that will surely tug at one's emotions- though concerning dark subject matter, it's gracefully and intelligently handled, never devolving into poor taste or schmaltzy manipulation. It's a superior Drama for discerning viewers and comfortably amongst the finest films of 2013.
Yes, it's Highly Recommended
9.0
Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrom, Alexandra Rapaport
Run-time: 115 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for sexual content including a graphic image, violence and language
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