The Hunter

   Ex-mercenary Martin (Willem Dafoe) is sent on a mission to search for the supposed last Tasmanian Tiger, which were officially classed as extinct, by a biotech company who believe it carries a unique and valuable chemical. Obviously it ends up being more than he bargains for as he tries to deal with the racist locals and find this elusive last tiger before his bosses grow impatient and send a replacement.
   Dafoe is very good through out, his hardened character weakening to his soft side as the film ticks on. This was helped very much by the family he stays with, especially a non speaking little boy who brings out the sensitive side of Dafoe's character. Sam Neill's supporting role adds a nice touch to the story and I had to wonder which side Neill was on as from the off he seemed suspicious of Dafoe.
   There is no doubt that at some point Dafoe was going to come across the apparently extinct Tasmanian tiger, but it wasn't clear whether his ethics would get in the way of the job he was hired for.
   This is a gripping hard edged thriller, with Dafoe excelling in his role. Dafoe has the screen presence to keep you intrigued from start to finish and you share in the dilemma with him, wondering yourself what the best course of action to take would be.

For fans of well performed hard edged thrillers and Aussie accents.

Stars ****