Movie No. 184 (2013): THE HUNT
The Hunt (2012)
Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp
In Danish, with English subtitles
The movie is basically an examination of a random lie that goes 'viral,' resulting in the destruction of an innocent man's life. This is akin to a "witch hunt," where it's easy for people to rush to judgement even if they don't know the 'inside story' of the allegation. What's interesting in this movie is that the lie comes from a child. Isn't it that people always believe that children don't lie? So, it's dangerous when they lie because we tend to believe them. And that lie can destroy someone else's life. This is the premise of this movie.
Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp
In Danish, with English subtitles
The movie is basically an examination of a random lie that goes 'viral,' resulting in the destruction of an innocent man's life. This is akin to a "witch hunt," where it's easy for people to rush to judgement even if they don't know the 'inside story' of the allegation. What's interesting in this movie is that the lie comes from a child. Isn't it that people always believe that children don't lie? So, it's dangerous when they lie because we tend to believe them. And that lie can destroy someone else's life. This is the premise of this movie.
In addition to the movie's well-thought-of script, the movie also boasts of memorable performances, particularly that of Mads Mikkelsen's. He's so good that I suppose, if these were an American production, he could be an easy shoo-in the Academy Awards Best Actor nominees. The movie is Denmark's entry in the Best Foreign Language category. I think it has a good chance to be in the January 2014 short list.
At some level the movie is frightening, an unconscious ingredient that makes the movie gripping, but uncomfortable to watch. I guess that's intentional because the theme of the movie is difficult to handle. Some directors may opt to reduce the film into a preachy melodrama, which can be irritating. But the film refuses to sink into sentimentality.
The Hunt is cinema at it's best.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: November 1, 2013
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