I’ve written plenty of posts that sadly involve some sort of killing. Zombie killing, contract killing and so on. But the Hunting Simulator 2 game inspired me to look at hunting. You can consider it as both a sport and a past-time hobby. But regardless of what your stance on hunting is, it is something that it’s frowned upon these days.
But as I mentioned earlier, one specific game inspired me to look out for hunting themed movies. There are some truly interesting ones on my list, and as always I’m always eager to know your picks as well. And what that game might you ask?
Hunting Simulator 2: For The Hunter In You
Honestly, we have plenty of great Hunting Simulator games here at IndieGala. Yes, the sale for Hunting Simulator 2 expires soon, so make sure to get it before it’s gone. It will satisfy the hunting aficionado in you, that’s for sure. Developed by Neopica and published by Nacon, Hunting Simulator 2 is exactly that. An adventure simulation and strategy video game that allows you to choose your gear from the best official weapons and accessories. And of course to set off (with your dog) and search for a variety of animal species in this hunting simulation.
Also, you can track down 33 animal species in their natural environment and hunt animals with realistic behaviors. Not to mention, you can aim accurately to ensure you don’t ruin your trophy.
Hunting Simulator 2: The hunting movies are a mixed bag
Certainly, I don’t mean that in a negative connotation. Far from it. No, I mean that there are plenty of mixed-genre movies on this list. Adventure, horror and even family films. And I must be honest and upfront that I won’t be including Deer Hunter on this list. Yes, the title and some of the themes do involve hunting, but the movie is more about the Vietnam War. Additionally, the movies are more about the effect that the War had on a group of friends than it’s about hunting. Yes. There are scenes in which they hunt (deer as the title suggests) but I’m just going to mention it here. That being said… Which hunting themed movies are on my list?
Scroll down to find out.
The Ghost and the Darkness
Indeed. I’m very well aware of the reputation that this movie has, more than a quarter of a century after the release. It’s not the best of the ’90s but I still love it. Starring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer, The Ghost and the Darkness is a fictionalized account of the Tsavo Man-Eaters. They were two Tsavo lions that killed workers in Kenya during the building of the Uganda-Mombasa Railway in 1898.
So, a bridge engineer and an experienced old hunter will begin a hunt for two of those vicious lions. That’s Michael and Val of course. But if you watch the movie, you’ll notice that despite having top billing, Michael Douglas doesn’t appear on screen until 45 minutes into the movie. Also, the crew filmed the movie during the worst possible conditions. What were they dealing with? According to the director Stephen Hopkins, snake bites, scorpion bites, tick bite fever, people getting hit by lightning, floods, torrential rains and lightning storms, hippos chasing people through the water, cars getting swept into the water and several deaths of crew members including two drownings… Among other things. And add to that the studio meddling it’s no wonder that the movie was a flop.
The Hunter
A slightly more contemporary movie, and a better one in terms of critical reception. Directed by Daniel Nettheim, The Hunter is about Martin (played by Willem Dafoe, although he’s called M in the book). A mercenary on a hunting mission to the Tasmanian wilderness to hunt for the last Tasmanian tiger. He’s hired by a shady biotech company that believes that the tiger has a special genetic code. So he must hunt the supposedly extinct animal. The Hunter is also a movie adapted from a best-selling book, but the cast is even more impressive. Frances O’Connor, Sullivan Stapleton, Morgana Davis and Sam Neil are incredible in the supporting cast. Did you know that during the beginning of this film, original black-and-white archival footage is seen of the last ever Tasmanian Tiger? Yes.
Also, the Tasmanian Tiger is an extinct carnivorous marsupial species. It got the name the Tasmanian Tiger because of the stripes on its back. Cool, right? I thought so too.
The Bear
It’s a touching story about a young orphan bear cub who befriends an adult male grizzly. However, both of them are prey for two trophy hunters, so they must stay alive at all costs. Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, The Bear is a peculiar but fantastic film. It has almost no dialogue, and a minimal score.
Not to mention, the entire movie was shot on location in Italy and has two bears in the lead roles. The movie explores themes like orphanhood, peril, protection and mercy. Did you know that three trainers worked with Bart the bear (including his owner Doug Seus)? Next eleven trainers worked with the cubs, three with the dogs, and three with the horses. It’s a really good movie that also tells a story from both perspectives. From the perspective of the hunter and from the prey. It’s also just an an awesome movie that deserves your attention.
The Hunt
I don’t think that there is a 2020 movie that divides the American public more than The Hunt. The movie got delayed because of the several mass shootings in the USA, and was eventually got a digital release through Premium VOD. But what makes it so controversial? Ruthless elitists gather together in a remote location to hunt for 12 individuals for recreational purposes. The film had drawn criticisms from pundits on both sides of the political aisle, as well.
Even the U.S. President Donald Trump blamed the movie targeting red-state voters and depiction of “liberal elites”. But you can look at it as a satire. At least that’s how the director Graig Zobel and co-writer Damon Lindelof want you to look at it. Both claim that the film is a satire. About the political divide between the American left and right. The Hunt has a stellar cast, led by 2 times Academy Award winner Hilary Swank. But Emma Roberts, Ethan Suplee, Justin Hartley and Betty Gilpin are awesome as well. I told you that this is a mixed bag of hunting movies.
Hunting Simulator 2: Your picks
Which are some of your picks for this list? Who are some of your favorite hunting movies? Tell us in the comment section. We’d love to know.
