The Hunt

Interesting premise and it's not bad, but the characters aren't developed enough for it to be believable. It doesn't have much atmosphere and it's hard to become involved.

Carlos Saura #1

Damn, that Saura guy can make movies. Unlike "Cría Cuervos" (or so I think), this really IS an allegory about the lingering after-effects of the Spanish Civil War in Francoist Spain. And a powerful, ultimately harrowing movie. (I so wish they could have kept the original title of "La caza del conejo", but the double-entendre prevented its approval by Franco's censors.)

Saura directs with an exacting eye, I especially loved the clarity and editing of the shots of the men loading their weapons. I can see echoes of this film in GVS' "Gerry", and using the desert as a chamber of vastness is perfect for this type of psychodrama.

Looking at animal cruelty is a chore for me, and much of this film consists of sweaty men shooting at defenseless little critters. That said, it's a really good movie. Rich dialogue, mounting tension, good stark contrast B&W photography, with exemplary use of disturbing jittery extreme closeups. Saura communicates unpleasantness remarkably well. The characters could have used a little more depth.

A very Sam Peckinpah-like Spanish psycho-thriller. If you can't stand animals getting killed, don't watch this.