For Those Who Hunt the Wounded Down

"For those that hunt the wounded down" introduces Jerry (played by Callum Keith Rennie), a man numbed and haunted by unsettling memories. Jerry, though haunted, carries on with what may be considered mundane activities. The figures around him are loaded with burdens that could be explosive if not also dulled by routine. Emphasis on the particularities of Jerry's sadness sets him apart from others, however. His Sorrow out-stands because it is active: It threatens to invade routine. In this way we observe sorrow as both perpetual and pushy. Jerry is numbed, but doom is coming, and cannot be emaciated. This feature of the story strikes me enduringly. I always imagine Jerry a wounded figure, walking through the forest, tracked by hunters, heading toward nothing other than one final movement. Such finality cinematically arrives, and a last burst is solely becoming. It is not quite heroic, nor is it comforting. One is only left to reflect on this wounded figure's final breath, the very breath that had haunted, a breath that arrives because the severity of the man's pain does not permit anything additional.

I really wish those who hunt would turn away, and leave the wounded to some other fate. But they are hunters. When the hunter strikes, a final blow assertively follows.

There are a lot of themes in my own life that are reflected in this film: abuse, violence, rejection, illness, sacrifice, fear, and death. But at the core, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy about accepting what you believe to be your destiny. From the moment the opening credits begin, both the audience and Jerry know what the ending will bring. And we travel alongside him to that end.

The movie isn't perfect, and you may disagree with the decisions that are made within it, but there's just something about it, weighing heavy on your heart, and yet ultimately, leaving you with a feeling of peace.

Most importantly, it's available on-line at a leading Canadian store.

This is an excellent movie with amazing actors. Callum Keith Rennie was formidable as Jerry Bines and portrayed the loving father so well that it was impossible not to feel as though you knew him. I was able to follow his life and his fears. Hate was struck in my heart for the evil social worker who cared only of herself and her work. She only was nice to Bines when she needed him, she ignored him when the situation was reversed. I am excessively happy that I own this film and that it is mine to watch whenever I please. It was excessively amazing and had me in the palm of its hand within moments of commencing. Very touching, it had me depressed and crying.

At first I didn't want to watch this film, (not exactly my cup of tea) but there was such good reviews on this film that I made myself watch it. I expected to be both moved and heartbroken.

I was.

I teared up at the ending because I felt so bad for Jerry Bines. Just goes to show you, if you are not careful, you can easily screw up your life and sometimes there is no turning back. Jerry knew that there was no turning back for him, he had to face the consequences of his long ago actions, and he faces his enemy with great courage until the bitter end.

This was a hard film to sit through, it was so damn depressing. But Callum Keith Rennie's moving performance as Jerry Bines made me continue watching. This guy is such a terrific actor. There's something about watching this man act that hits me in the gut everytime.

This film is worth viewing. I give this movie a "B+".