Jagdhunde

English Title: Hounds
Director: Ann-Kristin Reyels
Country: Germany

In a remote German town, newcomers Lars (Constantin von Jascheroff) and his father (Josef Hader) don't seem to be a welcome sight to residents. As it approaches Christmas, Lars befriends a deaf girl, Marie (wonderfully brought to life by Luise Berndt), consequently missing his train to Berlin to visit his mother. This sets off a chain of events that change the lives of both Lars and Marie's families forever.

This drama, bordering on black comedy, is one of the most lovely films I have seen in a long time. It is shot in a very understated way with a subtle score, it was naturally acted, and has a very powerful ending. People were discussing the ending after the movie was over but to me it was quite clear, and very beautiful. I could kind of see it coming from a mile away, but its implications far outweighs the actual outcome, and effectively resolves the issues within and between the two families involved.

This is one movie that I hope to one day own. It was an absolute delight to watch, and was especially satisfying due to the note in which it ended. I heartily recommend it to everybody.