The Hunter

Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: April 6, 2012

7.1	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 44 Ratings

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Jailhouse_McGeeOct 12, 2012

This might be a very personal view, but I loved the great acting and the calm, but deep atmosphere of this movie. Not all storylines may finally be resolved as the viewer wished to, but this is still very fine work.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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StevenFFeb 17, 2013

It's rare to to watch a film that reaches into the soul of the viewer to nip and prod at the insecurities and emotional journeys that have been taken, but The Hunter, through a metaphorical sight, does exactly that.
Willem Dafoe delivers anIt's rare to to watch a film that reaches into the soul of the viewer to nip and prod at the insecurities and emotional journeys that have been taken, but The Hunter, through a metaphorical sight, does exactly that.
Willem Dafoe delivers an unforgettably incredible and gripping performance under his cover alias of Martin David, a sort of undercover mercenary who has been hired and sent to the one of the last remaining great wilderness, Tasmania, by a mysterious company looking for the last remaining Tasmanian tiger, believed to be extinct.
As we kick off with Martin receiving a frosty reception from the town folk, he is met with the hospitality of a mother and her two children, who have been reeling after the disappearance of their father.
Martin sets off into the sprawling forestry, and this is truly where the film finds its feet, this is a test of survival, and a personal battle of wits and questions of life choices as Martin is increasingly the victim of mysterious anomalies within the secluded land
He grows increasingly close to the family he is staying with, as they are dealing with their missing husband/father, and hardship from the people in the town due to their lifestyle.
The cinematography of The Hunter is on a scale that could match any epic blockbuster, its beautiful panning shots with a widescreen view of the Tasmanian wilderness, along with the quieter and isolated moments involving Dafoe and his gun are some of the best scenes of the film, and thus solidifying Dafoe's performance as flawless even more.
The film ultimately paints an abstract picture, basically meaning that we are not quite sure who is right and who is wrong, what is good and what isn't. It isn't a straight-up catch your prey film, but one with a thoughtful and emotional, detailed and gritty story, that buy the time the climax rolls around, Dafoe is menacing as a man now out to survive, out to live, but most of all, out to finish his work and make peace with whatever demons have haunted him. The drama between the family and the wilderness truly sets this film apart from any other, with stellar supporting performances from Frances O'Connor and Sam Neill, a journey that will leave many surprised at the scope of this film, but the underrated brilliance of its depth, easily one of the best films to arrive in the last few years with one of the most memorable standalone performances from Dafoe.
Tragic but thrilling, gritty, cold, but easily captivating.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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BryceHooglandJul 9, 2012

Daniel Nettheim is the director of The Hunter and what a great showcase for his talent this film is. What makes this film a showcase for Nettheim is the beautiful cinematography. The solitary forest scenes have a tentative, naturalisticDaniel Nettheim is the director of The Hunter and what a great showcase for his talent this film is. What makes this film a showcase for Nettheim is the beautiful cinematography. The solitary forest scenes have a tentative, naturalistic beauty that leaves you in awe.The pacing of the film is almost consistent throughout the film. It gets a bit choppy when Dafoe… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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geewahJan 18, 2021

A poignant story on the environment and man's efforts to profit no matter the cost.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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