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8/10
Let the film take you where it will and you'l have a good time
dbborroughs23 December 2007
Based on a true story of a trio of Journalists looking for a war criminal in the former Yugoslavia. The Original group included Jon Krakauer, in the movie we have Terrence Howard and Richard Gere. Where originally it started as a bunch of journalists getting drunk and deciding to go out and find the bad guys, here we have Gere as a washed up TV reporter convincing his old camera man and a network executive (who got the job because of nepotism) that he can get an interview with "the Fox" if they are willing to go along with him. They go and things instantly begin to go side ways as nothing is as it seems and no one believes they aren't with the CIA. Not to put too fine a point on it I really liked this film a great deal. Its witty intelligent with lots of likable characters and a real sense of both humor and reality.Its probably three quarters of one of the most enjoyable films of the year (even with the nastiness.) What can I say I'm a sucker for great buddy films and Terrence Howard and Richard Gere have an ease when together that makes you certain that they have been friends for decades. Its magical. If there is a problem with the film its that the film kind of loses steam toward the end. Somewhere the need for an "ending" kind of gets in the way of things and the film begins to be a bit less...I don't know, fun. Don't get me wrong its still better than many other recent films, but its just disappointing that things have to be "neat". Of course the pre-final credits explanation of whats real and what isn't a scream. See this movie, thats all I have to say. See it and go with its vibe and I think you'll have a good time.

And forgive me for being spotty about things since I'm trying not to say too much since not knowing what happens is part of the joy.
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7/10
Hollywood's political conscience continues to grow........
rehman-amer6 September 2007
Just got back from the premiere at Venice, where a huge round of applause acknowledged the film's quality as well as Richard Gere's enduring star status.

As society and modern youth get serious again, so Hollywood follows the trend, as movies tackle war corruption and hypocrisy following Clooney, Gore et al's lead. Shephard manages to combine thriller with humour and quips without it becoming a cheesy Lethal Weapon type ride. That's due mainly to sterling performances from Gere, reinvigorates after The Hoax, and Howard, showing a comic side after the intensity of 'Crash' Jesse Eisenberg also looks like this role was written for him personally, and the remaining cast are appropriate. The crisp, realistic docu-direction, mainstreamed by Paul Greengrass, has exerted its influence and fits neatly into this film without looking forced.

Therefore, it works - it brings a serious issue to attention with humour, compassion and enough adrenaline to remind one of the risks some people take with their lives for their causes, when most of us take the cosy path of least resistance.
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7/10
A Better Than Average Movie
petsteph19 January 2008
It's good to see Richard Gere again. And his co-star is a fine actor. The story is good, the direction is good, you wont be disappointed - in fact you might wonder why you didn't hear about this movie before. Hollywood produces some good things and some dross; this is one of the good ones and politics must have dictated the release date, not the quality of the product, because it leaves many of the seasonal releases in the dust. This movie is about Bosnia, which most people find easier to forget. I was there in the early 90s and liked it a lot - and then the criminals came. Watch the movie - you wont regret it. I gave it a 7 and it might appeal more than that.
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A film well made
Gordon-1110 February 2008
This film is about a disgraced journalist trying to hunt down the most wanted war criminal in Bosnia.

I understand that a topic like this would attract rather polarised opinion. Putting aside the historical facts or political opinion, I think this film is well made and acted. It has thrilling and comedic elements. Just as things start to get slow, there are gunshots, car chases and road blocks to pump up the action. And just when the thrill gets too much, there are fun and relaxing scenes. The ending is strong and affecting, and it sends out a strong political message (or protest) about how the West is not doing their job. Jesse Eisenberg's role as Benjamin is a little redundant, but still I thought "The Hunting Party" was a good film.
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7/10
Surprisingly Funny and Entertaining
claudio_carvalho15 July 2008
In 1995, the reckless but efficient war correspondent Simon Hunt (Richard Gere) and his cameraman Duck (Terrence Howard) are covering the war in Bosnia. After a massacre in a Muslin village, Simon has a meltdown live on TV; he is fired and discredited by the network and disappears in the world of journalism while Duck is promoted, working for the famous anchor Franklin Harris (James Brolin). Five years later, while covering the peace in Bosnia with Franklin and the son of the network's VP Benjamin Strauss (Jesse Eisenberg), Duck is visited by Simon who convinces his friend to chase the most wanted war criminal Boghdanovic a.k.a. The Fox (Ljubomir Kerekes), who has a five million dollar reward, for an interview. Ben joins the group in a journey to Celebici, in the border of Republic Srpska and Montenegro. However, Simon discloses the real intention of their hunting while they are mistaken as a CIA hit squad getting into serious trouble.

"The Hunting Party" is a surprisingly funny and entertaining movie. The story denounces like in a joke the lack of interest in capturing and the dirty deals of UN, NATO, CIA and other agencies with criminals of war; Simon asks the CIA Operative how could they find The Fox in two days and CIA is not able to find him. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available
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7/10
Intelligent and powerful film about a hunting party of famous war criminal
ma-cortes5 March 2010
The picture is set during 2000, five years after the Bosnian/Servian war.A successful cameraman named Duck (Terrence Howard), a discredited journalist affected for war named Simon Hunt (Richard Gere) and a youngster correspondent named Strauss (Jesse Eisenberg) undergo an unauthorized mission to find the most wanted war criminal in Servia. They find themselves in serious danger when are chased and mistaken as a CIA agents and their objective, the Fox/ Rodovan Karadzic (Kerekes), the number one war criminal, decides to come after them.

The film is an adventure that embark a motley trio (Gere-Goddard-Eisenberg) posing as a hit squad and looking for a famous war criminal who bears remarkable resemblance to Radovan Karadzic. The story blends action, thought-provoking drama, thrills and some of humor with tongue in cheek . It packs a relentless critical to International Community, as UN, NATO, European countries because they are not only attempt on keeping him whereabout secret, but will oppose anyone who even intent to locate him . However he was arrested in Belgrade on 21 July 2008 and brought before Belgrade's War Crimes Court a few days later. He was extradited to the Netherlands, and is currently in The Hague, in the custody of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia .Karadžić is accused by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia of personal and command responsibility for numerous war crimes committed against non-Serbs, in his roles as Supreme Commander of the Bosnian Serb armed forces and President of the National Security Council of the Republika Srpska. He is accused by the same authority of being responsible for the deaths of more than 7500 Muslims. Under his direction and command, Bosnian Serb forces initiated the Siege of Sarajevo. He is accused of ordering the Srebrenica massacre in 1995, directing Bosnian Serb forces to "create an unbearable situation of total insecurity with no hope of further survival of life" in the UN safe area. In addition, he is accused of ordering that United Nations personnel be taken hostage in May-June 1995.He was jointly indicted by the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in 1995, along with General Ratko Mladić.

The movie contains an excellent main cast as Richard Gere and Terrence Howard and good secondary cast as Diane Kruger, James Brolin as anchor man , Dylan Baker as CIA agent and of course The Fox/ Karadzic played by Kerekes. It packs a colorful and evocative cinematography by the prestigious David Tattersall .Good and adequate musical score by Rolfe Kent with some Eastern sounds. The flick is professionally written and directed by Richard Shepard. He's writer, producer and a fine cinema director (Matador, Mexico city, Oxygen), though nowadays he exclusively works for television (Ugly Betty, Criminal minds, among others). Rating : Better tan average , well wort seeing. The motion picture will appeal to Richard Gere fans.
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8/10
Enjoy Sarajevo…The Hunting Party
jaredmobarak8 January 2008
Based on an article that was published in Esquire, The Hunting Party tells the story of three journalists—actually five as the end of the film will explain during its comical "what was true and what wasn't" montage—who took it upon themselves to find the most wanted war criminal in the world, Bosnia's "The Fox". Brought to screen by Richard Shepard, this is a movie that keeps you highly enthralled throughout. It may not be as solid a film as his previous effort, the underrated comedy The Matador, because it tries to push an agenda against all that was working for it. At its best, everything is absolutely pitch-perfect: taut thrills, suspenseful story, and great acting. As for the worst, it becomes a diatribe on how the world's governments care more about money than safety. Honestly, we all know this and don't need our entertainment to jam it into our skulls even more. Falling into a growing category for me—one that includes Blood Diamond—the end result here is a great film that just can't stop from trying to be more than it is, stumbling on its misguided mission rather than allowing its natural momentum to carry it through to the finish.

Stylistically this thing is beautiful to look at. I enjoyed the use of freeze-frames during the exposition scenes and the moments in warzones come across as real, dangerous, and above all else exciting. The joy and genuine laughter emitting from our leads after they narrowly escape death over and over again adds to the code of living life to the fullest that they both follow. Shepard holds some cards close to his chest also, showing us events leading up to Simon Hunt's breakdown, all but killing his career, however not explaining the entire story until absolutely necessary. Each character's motives aren't exactly the same towards the end as they were in the beginning. What's first a quest for redemption (Hunt), youthful vibrancy (Duck), and an excuse to show his father that he is made of more than a cushy Harvard school lifestyle (Benjamin) soon becomes a mission to do the right thing. These men are fighting for civility and humanity, two things that have left that part of the world and is in desperate need for return.

One can't fault any of our journalistic trio for anything they may find wrong with the final product. Richard Gere is spectacular as the fallen reporter, who we will eventually find has lost more than just his career. The desperation is always true and his actions perfectly played against the more sane members of the troupe. Terrence Howard shows us how great he can be and makes us wonder why he still feels the need to choose some god-awful movies between his good ones. The transformation he takes, in just a few short cuts, is rather staggering while essential to his role's motives later on. Going from an adrenaline junkie cameraman to a stand-in executive whose field work entails setting up outside the White House and Capital Hill almost makes you wonder how he ever could have changed so much. Then you think about the money, the security, and the relaxation time and soon the concept seems too good for anyone to pass up. The taste of danger never left, however, and it is his wrestling with that, by using some nicely timed humor, that helps carry the story to its conclusion. As for the boss's son, on his first foreign correspondence, Jesse Eisenberg epitomizes the book-smartass attitude someone in that position would have. It is his willingness to learn and bullheaded mindset to not let these two guys do anything to make him out to be a wuss that lead him to becoming an integral part to the team and mission at hand.

Along with them, every character that is met with on the journey to find "The Fox" adds just the right amount of infused quirk needed to keep interest. While familiar faces like James Brolin and Diane Kruger play their parts well, it is a guy like Mark Ivanir as Boris the UN executive that shines. He is caught up in this imaginary scheme of CIA hit squads coming in to do that which he wishes he could. It appears he has watched too many American movies and the dream of being a real live Deepthroat seems to appeal to his sensibilities as he attempts to help the trio in their quest to find that which is never found. These bit parts bring much of the laughter and absurdity that counterbalances the abundance of drama and high emotional toll seen at every turn. The Hunting Party does not try and sugar-coat what is going on in the Balkans and pays much attention in showing the truth and not what is read in the history books, both figuratively and literally—the book in physical form during a nice scene of Howard opening the innocent eyes of Eisenberg in a bar, along with the help of four of the real-life reporters on which the film is based.

Shot with some wonderful compositions and blocking of actors to build a sense of suspense and fear, Shepard has crafted a winner. Besides a too-long scene that goes on and on about how the UN and people in power are only out to create good PR without any work going towards punishing the monsters running free, I have little to complain about. I was almost completely removed from enjoyment with the horribly trite and overused joke with the ending subtitled words, but was redeemed with the inventive "what was real" sequence. To see the humor that was bubbling under the surface for the duration stick to the screen even after the story was finished brought the smile back to my face and made me remember all that worked, letting the more wrong than right final act to dissolve into the background.
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6/10
Fox hunting
jotix10023 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Richard Shepard's "The Hunting Party" is supposedly based on an Esquire magazine article. Scott Anderson's account about the encounter of journalists a few years after the war in Bosnia ended, is the basis of this film that for some reason, doesn't quite get the viewer's attention, perhaps because of the subject matter which never elicited a lot of sympathy from the American public. After all, this was an unpopular war with a recent happy conclusion when the real "Fox" from the movie, or Radovan Karadzic, was captured not too long ago.

The story is a bit far fetched, but we went along for the ride having no preconceived ideas. What seemed to be an adventure film, doesn't hold our attention, perhaps because the story has been done before, much better, one must add. The main character, Simon Hunt, is a man with an agenda. He has seen the horrors of the fighting first hand. He is made a victim of the struggle when he lost the woman he loved by the Fox, when he comes to late to do anything to prevent her tragic death. Together with his old camera man and the son of a vice-president of the network which he worked for, he sets out to capture the fugitive guy, acting on his own theory to get the Fox and getting the million dollars being offered for his capture.

Richard Gere's Simon is an unlikely hero, as the washed up correspondent that did the ultimate sin while on camera, something his former network didn't take too kindly. Now, unemployed, he has to free lance in that part of the world that saw violence during the war. Terrence Howard, who is one of the best actors of his generation, has not much to do. In a way, he feels compelled to help Simon because of the remorse he feels. Best of all is Jesse Eisenberg, who turns out as a surprise at the end.

Mr. Shepard, who wrote the screenplay as well, proves he is not as successful as he was with "The Matador". One wishes him well with any new projects.
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8/10
great messy mix of black comedy and thriller
SnoopyStyle28 September 2015
Simon Hunt (Richard Gere) and his cameraman Duckie (Terrence Howard) take great risks to report on wars around the world. In 1994 Bosnia, Simon blows up on the air after anchorman Franklin Harris (James Brolin) asks the wrong questions. Simon is fired while Duckie is promoted to be a cameraman back in America. Five years later, Duckie is following Franklin to cover the peace process in Sarajevo. They are joined by a network vice-president's son newbie Benjamin Strauss (Jesse Eisenberg). Duckie is surprised by Simon who is reduced to reporting for minor foreign news agencies. Simon has a lead on Serb war criminal Bogdanović with a $5 million bounty and convinces Duckie to join him. Strauss eagerly joins up on the hunting party.

This is a brilliant black comedy and gonzo reporting thriller. The tone does go all over the place. To me, that's the charm of this movie. It feels a movie through the unstable mind of Simon Hunt. All three actors deliver the goods. There is also questions about the reality of the story. It's definitely not a balanced take on the Bosnian civil war. However it's not completely out of bounds. The wild back and forth between serious and comical adds to my appreciation of the surreality of a civil war.
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7/10
it will make people think
abdullahxyy13 January 2008
Am ı being so sensitive in my comments about films which have Islamic issues. İf so, it only means the producers has hit the target, because there is no way they forget the Muslim's feelings for their films. They sure must making some searching and speaking for the people like me we are surprised and impressed. So there are people still cares for the world, for meaningless wars, there are people on this planet hoping the sorrows will end.

The film is about three journalists seeking a war criminal who has slaughtered Muslim's in Bosnia. Richard Gere is always Richard Gere calm acting for most times, no overacting, pure acting. Hollywood's rising star Terrence Howard does a good job, a supporting team mate, giving the film all he got (as he did in "The Brave One") The story is not boring. But i warn you the scenes after slaughter have been given so dramatic that you may not dare to watch it tears a Muslim's heart apart. Except those scenes you will sure enjoy it. And you will pause the DVD in the messages in the ending part.

Films mostly are not just for entertaining now. They are communication gadgets. And they are making nations come closer, share each other's senses, try to understand.

There is unfortunately some mistakes in Islamic way of living. Why do producers keep on doing mistakes at this point although they have good intentions. One of three of the world is Muslim we all watch your films as we feel close to them. İt is hard to understand.

İt is a fine film from a brilliant director.
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2/10
bullfrog
dima_r26 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is a typical American propaganda. Once again, Eastern Europeans are shown as hardly groomed, beer drinking, song singing retards. Anyone who traveled outside of of the US knows that depicting of Serbia or Yugoslavia like that is obnoxiously unfair and lacks any respect for a foreign nation. And however inspired by the true story, it cannot be based on a true story... When three men (one of whom is outright out of his mind) go in the woods in attempt to capture a person guarded by the bunch of armed people... Com on people! However, it will go for a mindless time passerby. I am amazed that producers spend a lot of money for such a piece of garbage.
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8/10
The Fine Line Between Comedy and Tragedy
gradyharp27 January 2008
At first glance, during the music and opening sequences of THE HUNTING PARTY, it is difficult to ascertain if the film about to be seen is a comedy or a docudrama about a genocidal maniac. Once the repartee of dialog sets in we realize that journalists require a certain mindset and vantage that allows them to cover war and other atrocities and once that tenor is adjusted the film makes solid sense.

Based on a true story by Scott Anderson (a journalist) THE HUNTING PARTY (written for the screen by Richard Shepard who also directs) deals with a top notch journalist Simon (Richard Gere) on the skids and his buddy cameraman Duck (Terrence Howard) and youngster journalist Benjamin (Jesse Eisenberg) who meet up after Simon's self imposed exile to follow a lead to 'interview' The Fox (Ljubomir Kerekes), the most wanted war criminal from the Bosnia/Croatian war. Their trail follows life-threatening chases and captures and escapes until they expose what the CIA has been doing to prevent - the capture of this heinous maniac. While the atmosphere is rather grim, the production is pitch perfect and the performances by Gere, Howard, and Eisenberg manage to reveal the complexities of the mental states and bizarre outlooks of journalists who elect to be right next to the horrors of war and crime in order to deliver a story. Food for thought here, and a much different approach to the life of correspondents than we've had before. And, it is based on fact! Grady Harp
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6/10
The tragedies of Bosnia and Serbia.
gcats-111 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This film emphasises the horrors of the Bosnian war. It emphasises the suffering of the people both Muslim and Christian who inhabited the country and who were in the centre of an ideological battle which did not benefit anyone and which tormented everyone by causing endless suffering. Again as in many films we see that war does not benefit anyone and neither does revenge. So too does outside influence by other countries serve no purpose besides to add to the confusion of the situation. All this we see through the eyes of the three journalists led by Richard Gere, who tour the countryside in seek of a good story, fame and revenge. Terrence Howard and the young Jesse Eisenberg portray their roles quite well. If you have seen Richard Gere in his many revered big screen roles, I personally feel you are going to be disappointed with his performance this time round. I expected more in comparison to his great drama roles in the past. His role in his previous film, "The Hoax" was brilliant in comparison to this one. There was just something missing if one compares his acting to his usual outstanding performance. Overall though,this is an entertaining film which is worth watching.
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2/10
Just OK
ParagDesh13 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I am not familiar with the history of Serbia and neighboring countries but both the historic aspect and cinematic aspect seem to be poorly handled in this movie. Maybe the producer has some agenda here.

Three people hunting for a dangerous criminal in a dangerous place. Without any planning whatsoever!

Hunt's friend who has pretty much moved on suddenly decides to throw away his career and join Hunt in this wild goose chase! Not at all convincing.

Very weak story. Also portraying Muslims of Bosnia as good folks and Serbians as bloodthirsty scums seems unfair. It's unlikely that in a war things could be so black and white.
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7/10
Decent Suspense Film That Entertains, But Gere's Mouth Cheapens It
ccthemovieman-120 May 2008
The best part of this movie is that it keeps your interest. It overdoes the language and gets a bit preachy here and there but overall does what you ask a movie: it entertains. If you're looking for a fairly intense 100 minutes of diversion, you'll get it here. However, I wouldn't watch it twice.

Terrence Howard as "Duck" and Richard Gere as "Simon" are both very interesting. Jesse Eisenberg as "Benajamin" was a bit annoying because he looks stupid and has a whiny voice. Since this is a man's movie, Howard and Gere fit the bill better.

The movie has a good mix of suspense, action, intrigue, war, politics and even a couple of doses of humor, which was a nice touch. The minor characters, like "Boris" (Mark Invanir) were as interesting as the leads, and the camera-work and scenery were worth watching, too. Boris doesn't get much billing here but he has several scenes and they are good.

Are a hundred f-words and a 10-20 blasphemes really necessary in telling this story? In a word: no. I was surprised, only because Gere has been in a number of entertaining films over the years and I don't ever recalling him anywhere near this profane in any of his roles. An f-word out of his mouth almost every other sentence seemed out of place, especially for an outspoken Buddhist, wouldn't you think?

As soon as Howard spoke, his voice was familiar. I couldn't remember where I'd heard it but knew it wasn't long ago. I looked it up here on IMDb and now remember hearing/seeing him in "The Brave One," another 2007 movie. Anyway, he and Gere make a good "buddy act" in this film and didn't really need the kid with them.

The "message" of the movie, as they say several times during the movie and in print at the conclusion, is that these Bosnian war criminals are still out there and no one seems to really want to capture them.
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6/10
It Can Never Make Up Its Mind What Movie It Wants To Be
jzappa28 October 2007
The Hunting Party is entertaining enough as a movie, because it's funny, it has an interesting story, and it's not difficult to become invested in what's going on, but the reason the film simply lands on a bland note is because it can never make up its mind what movie it wants to be. Its tone is the mood of a person with ADHD. It's a black comedy first, then it's suddenly a drama, then it's a bloody revenge film, then it's a comedy again, and soon, it's become so muddled that it has no idea what it is.

Writer-director Richard Shephard's last film, The Matador, was better upon reflection because at the time I was watching it, it seemed so light. The humor was always medium-gauge, never unfunny but never gut-busting, just as in The Hunting Party. The characteristics of the plot were often recycled features, which is screamingly the case in The Hunting Party. However, The Matador was actually a pretty good film, because though it seemed so thin and unaffecting at the time, it wasn't. It had a subtle way of connecting with the audience. The Hunting Party was written in a hurry, directed without any clarity, and so all of Shephard's weaknesses which I just mentioned, are without the pay-off of his previous effort. However, as I say, it's not hard to get into it, because, despite its directionless motive as to what tone it wants its message and feelings to be transmitted to the audience with, the story itself is interesting, and when revenge comes into play, I am immediately invested to the fullest extent one is capable of being.

Also, Richard Gere, who to me did not quite live up to par with his other recent true story, The Hoax, he certainly does here, actually playing more of the sort of character he should've been playing in The Hoax. Terence Howard, who before this I had never seen in a leading role, impressed me very much with the entertaining nature of his presence. Jesse Eisenberg, the third in the trio of main characters, is one of the most aggravating presences in a movie in a long time. In The Squid and the Whale, he was supposed to be in a way. Here, Shephard only intended another recycled feature in his case, and I only wanted him to die off.
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8/10
A Positive(ly Cynical) Film
colinbarnard-114 September 2007
This film belongs as much, if not more, to Terrence Howard, than Mr. Gere. It also belongs to the writer/director,Richard Shepard, who brings a unity of creativity to the project.

It is a pleasure to see Mr. Howard play against (stereo)type. Unusual for an American film, "The Hunting Party" does not use as a character device the (non)issue of Mr. Howard's "race". The only references to ethnicity are the quite appropriate expositions of the Muslim/Christian dichotomy that culminated in the "ethnic cleansing"(read genocide) during the war.

It is also refreshing to see an American film that portrays Muslims as something other than terrorists.

Mr. Howard is the central character in the film, not Gere. The film is told from Howard's point of view, though Gere remains the conscience of the piece. Both play media types in one of the most (over)used film devices: the Western reporter whom the intended audience is supposed to empathise with, and therefore, vicariously, with the moral stance of the film. Minor quibble; I'm sure we'll see it again.

Similar in tone to "The Lord of War", this film seeks to remind viewers of some recent history: the war in the former Yugoslavia and the on-going involvement of the international community. Using satire to soften the didactics of the script, the film never shies away from the horrors of, and the fog, of war.

Adding authenticity to the film are the location shoots in Boznia and Croatia.

The film also draws upon Michael Winterbottom's 1997 film "Welcome to Sarajevo", which is a little more hard-hitting, but looks at a somewhat different aspect of the war.

Those of you who feel that this film has a "liberal" bias should rethink this perspective. This film casts a cynical eye towards all ideologies, except those of simple people who just want to raise their families in peace, and people who understand the difference between right and wrong, rather than relativistic shades of grey.
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7/10
As if Hunter S Thompson had parachuted into the Balkans
intelearts15 January 2008
Gonzo reporting (definition): "Reporting where the journalists involve themselves so much in the story, they become the story. Normally shows an iconoclastic disregard for authority"

Yup. That's that in a nutshell...

I have to say I enjoyed it - it is immensely cynical at its core, covered with a veneer of good intentions, and is tense, very funny, well acted, and has also if extremely good at pointing out that the international community is failing to deliver worldwide. And if that gets your goat up then you're not going to be any happier once you've seen the movie.

The Hunting Party is goodly warped effort by all involved to explain the absolute lunacy that war brings out in people - both the horror and the humour. I would add that the horror in the film is not of the limbs blown off variety, but rather less blood, but unthinkable sadism is still shown without seeing the act itself, and the film concentrates on dealing more with the wretched aftermath of savageness.

The story is a simple one: a group of journalists unimpressed by their own careers, one (Terence Howard) too cushy,one (Richard Gere) washed up, and one (Jesse Eisenberg) just beginning, think they are covering the 5 year anniversary of Balkan peace and instead are convinced by Richard Gere to form a hunting party to track down and capture their own malcreant, and not just any but the big daddy of them all, and get the scoop of the century - Radoslav Bogdanović - The Fox.

They go for any number of reasons: for personal reasons, for the professional challenge, for the rewards, whatever, and off they go.

From the off the tone of the film is satirical, cynical, and laugh out loud funny - if you have any sense that the world doesn't work like you'd want it to then this is a great film to watch.

The film is populated with off the wall moments and characters but it remains watchable throughout. The three leads are nicely poised between manic madness and exhausted coolness, and it comes across as mature film-making throughout.

It is worth staying for the credits and seeing how this film supports the local Balkan film industry rather than simply shipping in the crew.

All over a really nice cynical take on the madness of war, its aftermath, and how gonzo journalism might having actually have a role to play in saving the world from blowing itself up the kazoo.
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10/10
Why you'll like it?
endura-18 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
War is not an entertaining subject yet I was able to sit through a 140 minutes of a drama about it, a real achievement. Three, daring journalists on a dangerousquest. But do not focus on that thread only because there is more to this movie, a lot more. It is sharp, sometimes mocking and the cast-Brilliant!. The choice of medium was excellent. Should the film show the story in a sober, critical way I wouldn't finish watching it probably. I know enough on the war-subject and it makes me mad not being able to do anything to prevent populations from engagin in tis type of'problem-solving'. What seeing 'The Hunting Party' gave me, was an assurance that there are people that understand what is going on. That in these crazy times we manage to save ourselves from insanity also by laughing our helplessness off. The movie to me is, among other things, about that. I'm familiar with the issues of war criminals not getting what they deserve, enslaving bureaucracy in UN and USA, UK, EU's involvement in deeds they wouldn't want us-people to know about. I realise that having power and being fair is difficult, therefore I'm not judging. I'm only saying that I 'see' what is going on. The knowledge is power in a good way. If each one of us takes responsibility, the world will be a better place.
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A tragic and humorous tale in post-war Bosnia.
TxMike18 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I happen to enjoy both of the main actors, Terence Howard and Richard Gere, and here they pair well in a strange mission to track down the notorious 'Fox' responsible for many innocent slaughters 5 years earlier.

Terrence Howard is Duck, who in various conflicts had been the camera man for famous foreign correspondent, Richard Gere as Simon. But during that last war, in a 'live' moment of reporting, went off the deep end on TV and was fired. After that episode he had difficulty finding gainful work.

James Brolin is good as the stuffy news anchor Franklin Harris. It was his live report that Simon had been on those years earlier.

Duck and Simon had a chance encounter in Bosnia when many were back for a memorial ceremony. Duck had been promoted and was Harris' personal cameraman, but he secretly missed the action and near-misses with bullets flying everywhere.

Simon tells Duck that he knows where the notorious Fox is, and is going to get an interview, and he wants Duck to go with him. Reluctant, but Duck can't resist, and they take a young intern with them, the Harvard graduate son of a network VP.

Well, Simon didn't have any inside information on the Fox, and just hoped he would find him. His real motive was to capture him and claim the widely advertised $5Million bounty. How do you do that, in his home territory where they view him as a hero?

A very action-filled movie, with lots of humor. And a good ending.

MAJOR SPOILERS. The three find the Fox, but are captured and apparently about to be executed when USA reinforcements show up. The Fox gets away, but Simon doesn't give up. He figures out, maybe when the Fox is actually hunting foxes, he might be an easy target. The plan works, they capture him but, instead of turning him in for the reward, tie him up and put him in the car's trunk. Then they let him out in the village where he had murdered so many, and as the scene ends we see him stumbling to get away while the whole town moves towards him, to deal their own form of justice.
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7/10
Perhaps if the International Community opened a summerstock theatre...
johnny-0818 November 2008
After solid 'The Matador'(brilliant Brosnan), Richard Shepard decided to direct a movie that is about catching war criminal in Bosnia. I must say that this is a very brave project and I salute Mr.Shepard on demanding to shoot the entire movie on places were its plot happens (alright there is no Serbia but it's clear why) and not in Czech Republic (it would be much much cheaper). What is great about this one is obvious critic to USA (advertise in papers and phone number that you can call but only from America...), UN (they're actually not doing anything;great scene when our main characters talk with Indian guy with donuts), NATO, EU, The Hague, secret services and everyone who are pretending that they're catching war criminals. Three journalists found out where is 'The Fox'(actually character of Radovan Karadjic who is caught few months ago) hiding and all secret services couldn't do that in 5 years (they obviously didn't want to). What I also liked is the end when Simon, Duck and Benjamin surrender 'The Fox' to people of town he bombarded and destroyed. In real life those people were hunted, killed and raped and no one couldn't do anything about it, nor great America, United Nations, no one. That is greatly described in movies like "No Man's Land" but "The Hunting Party" is American movie so I'm a bit surprised by the level of truth there is in this movie. Because of that I'm willing to pass over some minuses like thin script or very fast ending. Also the direction of Shepard is very good just like the acting. Gere & Howard are great together and those humor parts aren't faked so there is chemistry between them. I must say that Terrence Howard is better then Richard Gere in here but Gere always gets away on a charming card. 5 minutes of Diane Kruger as Mirjana are great just like the role of my country-men Ljubomir Kerekes as 'The Fox'. So if you want to watch a movie that presents only the facts then you have to watch this movie and maybe learn something about the war on these areas. War is now behind us and I think that this crew enjoyed themselves on beautiful locations like Sarajevo, Zagreb or at the Adriatic sea.
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3/10
I didn't ask my husband to pause once when leaving the room
noladoll31 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This film was schizophrenic. It was trying to be a cliché sidekick action flick and make a serious political statement at the same time. It failed at both.

First of all, you would never believe the two of these people (Gere and Howard) would ever be friends. Howard, who is a witness to Gere's pregnant girlfriend's brutal murder, doesn't act like this matters until half way through the movie. Then, it hits him. The acting and dialog is hideously weak by all parties. The fact that these three people overtly roam around a dangerous country, unarmed, haphazardly, is just beyond believability.

Secondly, there is nothing in this film that truly educates the viewer about the horrors of what happened there.

That being said, it is just this side of watchable on a Sunday night with no better choices.
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10/10
Really good, and true!
cs_alien23 January 2008
First of all, people that are saying "it's a waste of time and money", well don't see it! No one is forcing you.

The movie is really good even better if you are from Bosnia to confirm this, and yes there is a lot of American movies that taunt and avoid all the facts and in the end makes America heroic or whatever. BUT this isn't the case, this is NOT all of the things that happened, it's a good balance of truth and entertainment after all it's not a documentary.

So there is really only two things to do, either accept what happened and live on or hide the truth and blame the movie of incorrect information. Anyway it was a good movie that a lot of people should watch and Richard Gare is a great actor.
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7/10
If I ever hear from you again, the CIA will be on you like a cheap suit from the Men's Wearhouse.
lastliberal23 January 2010
It's the 5th anniversary of the end of the Bosnian conflict, and two buddies are reunited. One on the way down after an on-air crackup (Richard Gere), and one rising (Terrance Howard.

Simon (Gere) has a line on a war criminal in hiding (Ljubomir Kerekes). He convinces Duck (Howard) and a young journalist (Jesse Eisenberg) to join him on the hunt. The reason for the hunt is made clear later. It is gut-wrenching.

It's a good buddy movie - funny, exciting at times, terribly sad at others, and Gere & Howard play off each other brilliantly.

Brilliant ending - too bad we can't catch the criminals and do it for real.
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2/10
"Trust no one"?
fangomatic7 January 2009
It gets more and more disturbing as Hollywood masters the art of propaganda, calling onto seasoned actors and putting all the effort into making it work. As we all know there are at least two sides to every conflict and this movie's best is only a formal hint at that. Countless WW2 movies have finally shown us that a war movie should never portray the matter in black and white. To rip a piece out of the never-ending Balkan tragedy and to present it so blindly and preposterously cannot serve any other goal than political. Put against the recent "liberation" of Serbian Kosovo with joint Alban-NATO (as in: US-backed) efforts the movie looks even more frustrating, as we now have the motive: if you liked this movie then the next time you hear the word "Serbian" you _might_ get an eye twitch and the next time an American president (*doh* the UN, the UN of course) decides to slice up a foreign country called Serbia for the good of "democracy" or whatever you _might_ notice a righteous grin on your face. Peculiarly, in "The Hunting Party" the Serbska Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is even misspoken as Serbia once.

Oh and by the way, Kosovo now hosts the largest US military base in Europe.

PS: War criminals aren't just those with the "kalashnikov" in their hand, shooting and raping women. Sometimes a signature is as bad as that.
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