Die Jagd

Ein Werk, bei dem und nach dem ich Probleme hatte, zu atmen. Seelisch und emotional niederschmetternd. (04.07.2012)

Little Klara deserves an educational blow with an axe to the nape of her neck. The film can arouse the emotions of the viewer, mainly the negative ones, but it didn’t fascinate me as much as I wanted. In a couple of scenes the script felt overworked (for instance, how the testimony of a girl retold word for word by other people changes from "something indefinite" to a "clear accusation of harassment" - nice, but I felt the very purpose of it). The ending is strong, even though my horror-oriented self waited all the time for a proper exploitation “hunt”. (01.02.2013)

A calm Nordic winter, a five-year-old femme fatale, and me, unaware of the plot or anything else, sitting in my seat in the movie theater, and knowing that in six months I am to become a teacher too. It’s pure in terms of the genre to the point where words about sliding on the surface come to mind, yet it cuts under the skin like few things have in recent memory. I haven't felt my throat this tight in a long time. (11.02.2013)

No matter what anybody might say, Mads Mikkelsen is the most interesting and the best contemporary European actor. Each of his characters on the screen is alive. Not only alive, they’re downright breathing through the screen. In my opinion, The Hunt is the best notch on his belt that must win everyone over. I get that he took advantage of the current situation of the Danish cinema which is full of the best screenwriters and directors, but he was simply destined to be born into this very era and he made the best possible use of it due to his personality. The Hunt is a difficult movie to watch. It’s actually about a topic that is hard to talk about and just as hard to film. It’s a taboo that stirred the pot in this movie. The amazing thing is that the screenwriter apparently analyzed the human nature all his life and showed exactly what we, as human beings, are capable of doing and what we are not capable of doing. After an absurd discovery, Mads transforms with each single second of this movie and the viewer drowns in a depression that will leave you restless. That’s exactly what movies are about. About emotions and feelings that each of us should think about regularly. The Hunt managed to do that, and I must say that it is one of the few movies that aren’t afraid to reveal the truth hidden somewhere in the corner of each of us. (01.11.2013)

Eine reine genreorientierte Sache mit allen Pros (großartige Arbeit mit Schauspielern, hervorragender Atmosphäre, Zugänglichkeit im besten Sinne des Wortes) und Contras (einfache Manipulierbarkeit und Berechenbarkeit, recht allmähliche Exposition). Vinterberg hat Submarinos regietechnische Herangehensweise noch weiter herauskristallisiert, so dass er sich definitiv unter die besten Macher des Mainstream-Dramas einreiht, die es vermögen, Einfachheit ohne beleidigende Banalität zu verkaufen. Die zweite Betrachtung des Films betätigte mich nur, welch gute Arbeit der dänische Filmemacher da doch abgeliefert hat, auf das hier viele hier hinweisen, mitsamt der beträchtlichen Archetypizität der Lebenssituation des Helden (ausgestoßen von der Polis für eine Sünde, die er nicht begangen hat), spiegeln sich funktional sowohl in der Filmstruktur als auch den wiederholten Motiven eines " kollektiven Rituals“ wider (zyklischer Rahmen des Jahres / Initiationsfeier in Form einer Jagd / Heiligabend in einem kleinen Dorf). Die Jagd verweist eher auf etwas Universelles in der menschlichen Gemeinschaft, das trotz einer bestimmten Ära fortbesteht (ich sehe darin keinen Versuch, künstlich Probleme zu schaffen, im "Norden" gibt es seit langem viele Chimären in Bezug auf Kinder, welche durch die scheinbar kompakte Moral der Gemeinschaft nur noch an Stärke gewinnen). Es ist schwer, hier keine Verknüpfung zu den wichtigsten dogmatischen Themen zu sehen - lediglich die Betrachtungsweise hat sich vollständig geändert. Vinterberg geht, was die absichtliche Aufdeckung der Pläne betrifft, nicht so weit wie Trier. Seine beiden letzten Filme sind hauptsächlich auf der Suche nach einer anständigen Aussage sowie dem Auffinden überraschend starker Charaktere. Lucas ist ein packender Charakter, der sich innerlich vom gejagten Wild zu einem moralischen Memento entwickelt, welches sich stolz begutachten lässt. Auch die schaupielerische Leistung Annika Wedderkopps ist mit ihrer Intensität und Detailgenauigkeit ein kleines Wunder. Die Jagd ist eben ein auf den Punkt gebrachtes dänisches Drama - zugegebenermaßen ein schematisches, aber in Schlüsselmomenten wird hier wenig gesagt, es reflektiert "eine gar zu sehr zusammenhaltende und ordentliche Gemeinschaft" sowie ihre verborgenen Dämonen. Paradoxerweise macht es nichts aus, wenn man im Vergleich zum Regisseur um einen Schritt voraus ist- es geht um die Kraft der Verwirklichung, nicht um ein Überraschungsmoment (in diesem Jahr denke ich da an Petzolds hervorragende Barbara, die gemäß demselben Prinzip aufgebaut ist). Und die Kraft ist in meinen Augen immer noch beeindruckend. (07.07.2012)

This belongs to the subgenre of dramas I don't really like because discovering how hateful people can be is something I encounter every day. Fortunately, Thomas Vinterberg's provincial resentment goes far in terms of the credibility of the feelings on both sides, yet sadly he reaches them unbelievably quickly. It's as if the editor skipped several tens of minutes of gradually built tension and jumped from innocent fun to harsh threats. I understand the anger and helplessness that swept through the nursery and family homes, and I praise the tension of several specific scenes, but I am still overwhelmed by the sudden decline, especially since Lucas should have been everyone's favorite neighbor or acquaintance. And I can't help but complain about the lamentations, complaints, and sometimes even hatred of those who comment on the character of little Klara. All of you who wish her harm here either didn't understand the movie or are simply the same nature as a gang of self-proclaimed individuals. (17.06.2016)

I admit, I don't like films made in the style of Dogme 95 - just like any other dogma, they limit possibilities and narrow the space for cinematic expressions. The Hunt represents a rare case where it works, and thanks to its exceptionally strong theme, we don't have to deal with the set or the language of cinema. For the movie experience, only he, his work, and his friends are enough. Nothing is and can be the same as before. Apparent certainties collapse like a house of cards, and an uncertain future remains, along with the certainty that one can only rely on oneself. Thomas Vinterberg carefully constructs his drama, building it on solid foundations and portraying his characters convincingly psychologically. From the heated clash in the church, where one would expect the scene to end with an uncompromising fight behind the church gates, the previously flawlessly functioning machinery begins to stutter somewhat. I don't believe in miraculous happy endings, even tainted by a lonely avenger. Public opinion is much quicker with its judgments than justice, and it doesn't care about the presumption of innocence. It doesn't carry out the rehabilitation of its victims, and it doesn't shy away from spreading the wildest rumors extensively. If it goes that far, there is no way back. The more passionately you defend yourself, the more suspicious you will appear to those around you. Guilt can be proven, but innocence cannot. In real life, the only solution is burning bridges and moving to an anonymous foreign environment. Sometimes retreat can mean a bitter victory. To elaborate on the fact that Mikkelsen represents one of the greatest acting talents of the current European scene would be to state the obvious. Despite certain shortcomings, I don't hesitate to give this film the highest rating. Overall impression: 90%. (15.04.2015)

A realistic and chilling drama that says a lot about human nature. Mads is superb as always. The film never slips into cinematic clichés and despite this, or perhaps because of it, it remains suspenseful. (25.01.2014)

Mads-Mikkelsen-Filme schaut man, um feucht zu werden. Manchmal sind sie auch aus einem anderen Blickwinkel eine angenehme Überraschung. Genau wie Die Jagd, eine Geschichte darüber, wie uns die Kinderchen ein wenig über den Kopf wachsen. Und das ist nicht nur ein Problem der im Grunde demokratischen USA, sondern auch das sonst so fortschrittliche Skandinavien steckt im selben Schlamassel. Es mag als ein kleiner Film über die männliche Emanzipation begonnen haben, aber er hat sich zu einem Appell an die Beschränktheit der Herde entwickelt. (14.08.2013)

Not very rational and lacking logic and common sense, though the Nordic small town full of ordinary workers who don't think much about anything seems to be very authentic. But I would definitely not put captivating performances and a fantastic atmosphere+screenplay over the sensible use of facts and brainpower. The accusation as well as the explanation are clichés of a heavy caliber.. Nevertheless, Vinterberg is still a great director because he can turn crap into something captivating with a number of scenes, where either you get goosebumps or at least put your hand in front of your mouth and be amazed. (24.02.2015)

A film that is hard to describe has to be seen. Only The Shining, my favourite film ever, has made me feel this “cold” when the end credits started rolling. A harrowing experience that may tamper with the laws of real probability to its emotional advantage at times, but the way it repeatedly pours boiling water on the viewer, and leaves them standing outside in the freezing cold is truly unprecedented. I don't know any other film that can so amazingly adapt the audience's emotions to the main character's depressive feelings and that makes the audience actively react to every twist and turn, laughing, cursing, crying... I feel a little bitter towards Thomas Vinterberg and all the other actors for having sweated through and through my least cheap t-shirt and sweatshirt, but otherwise I send them my admiration and endless praise. This review is intentionally shallow because to tinker more thoroughly with something so perfect and effective seems undignified to me. (13.04.2013)

So ein tolles Psychodrama können wohl wirklich nur die Dänen so gut drehen. Endlich bin ich zu diesem filmischen Kleinod vorgedrungen. Ich habe etwas Verspätung, aber ich war mir bewusst, dass man auf Die Jagd psychisch vorbereitet sein und wissen muss, dass der Film stark und aufreibend an den Nerven kratzt. Und an den Nerven kratzte mir deutlich der Tick mit der Nase des "blonden Engelchens“, den ich als Engelchen nun überhaupt nicht bezeichnen würde. Und dann ging es los. Das Foto auf dem Plakat fängt möglicherweise die stärkste Szene aus dem gesamten Film ein. Was mich am meisten überraschte, ist, wie Vinterberg mit der anfänglichen Haltung von Lucas und der Lösung der gesamten außergewöhnlichen sensiblen Sache umgeht. Ich weiß selbst nicht, wie ich mich in einer solchen Situation verhalten würde, aber es kam mir so vor, als habe ihm die zu starke Passivität geschadet und als habe diese die ganze Situation noch verschlimmert. Andererseits aber erhielt der Film durch seine Herangehensweise eine noch stärkere Dramatik. Zwei Figuren zum Totschlagen - Grethe und der riesige Papa eines der Kinder. Mikkelsen und Bo Larsen pressen das Maximum aus sich heraus, und ihre Leistungen sind exzellent. Ich bin auf La Grande Bellezza - Die große Schönheit sehr neugierig, weil ich mir nur schwer vorstellen kann, dass Die Jagd von irgendeinem Film künstlerisch übertroffen werden könnte. (12.05.2014)

One thing is clear. I like Scandinavian films much more than American ones. And when a quality Nordic drama stars a superb actor like Mads Mikkelsen, the film is bound to get a high rating from me. The script is certainly intriguing, the film is well shot, and Mads Mikkelsen didn't so much play his role as live it. The theme is extremely relevant. I don't think the head teacher of a kindergarten is likely to be the best psychologist, I remember the mental state and intelligence of many a primary school teacher I had (although there were exceptions), but such stories are clearly not exceptional in real life. Granted, there are more than enough perverts in the world, but a witch hunt will hardly solve this problem. Anyway, I enjoyed the film, I wasn't bored for a moment and if I ever see a child in distress somewhere, I’d better just put him out of his misery. (15.08.2017)

I was a bit afraid of this movie and probably rightfully so. It is a beautiful study of how people can hate. It's not so much about what that little girl did. She's just a child, she simply did something stupid, children do that. But adults, they behaved like pigs. And the hatred is truly strong here, it literally sends shivers down your spine. Mads Mikkelsen once again proves what a great actor he is. Very powerful, truly very powerful. Finally, a movie that I can praise. (30.04.2014)