The Hunt (2012)

In Brief: Lucas(Mads Mikkelsen) is teacher working at a Kindergarten after his school had been closed down. The Kids love him and He's a respected member of the community. One day, he see's his Best Friend, Theo (Thomas Bo Larsen), young daughter, Klara (Annika Wedderkopp),out the front of the local supermarket, unsure of how to get home. Lucas walks her home, and on another occasion, walks her to school. When being picked up from kindergarten, Klara tells one of the supervisors that Lucas had exposed himself to her, and his life is suddenly, and irrevocably change.




These films are never really pleasent. Either we have a character that is a bit of Monster taking advantage of under-age children, or we have a story of a innocents life ruined by false accusations. Normally, these are fairly one sided interpretation of the story, but in The Hunt, we get a little more character development from the supporting cast, then we have seen in other films of this type. That character development, with a good script, and fantastic performances from Mikkelsen and Bo Larsen, really sell you on this world, and make it hard to push the blame.
There is something in this film, that feels very authentic in its presentation, The initial interview with Klara after her first statement, and subsequent discussion with adult figures about what happened Show compassion for the child's well being, But leave her little room to back out of her accusation. A child isn't likely to talk about what happened, so they'll need to be led a little. But what's going too far. The film doesn't paint people in a bad light, sure there is some over reacting, but it's also understandable.
Thomas Bo Larsen does a terrific job as Theo. Faced with an unimaginable idea that one of his oldest friends might have touched his daughter, there's a lot played on his face, and the script treats the character with care. Mads Mikkelsen, who last year won the best actor of the Caines film festival for this role, is bringing some of  his best work.
The Hunt is a amazing film, it's not a happy film. Doubtful that you'll want to see it again, but it is worth seeing.