Review of The Hunting Ground (2015) by Manny C — 15 Apr 2015

A companion piece to director Kirby Dick's The Invisible War, whcih looked at rampant sexual assaults in the United States military, The Hunting Ground is set to take on the topic of rape and sexual assault on campus, including addressing the systemic reasons colleges and universities often choose not to act, despite rape victims coming forward seeking justice, often begging. The film isn't particularly showy, it prefers instead to present the facts of this epidemic, an issue to which the only logical response is outrage. The film begins with a montage of students bursting with joy as they receive news that they have been accepted to their colleges of choice. That's the good news, and the way higher institutions like things to be. Rape stats aren't exactly great advertising, especially when it comes to wealthy donors, educational grants and funding for athletic programs.

The Hunting Ground aims squarely at the egregious cone of silence that has engulfed so many respected schools. Very few of the accused appear on camera to defend themselves, and why should they? The system is already heavily in their favor, especially for athletes. It's the rape survivors, women and men, who relate their heart-wrenching stories directly to the camera. Andrea Pino and Annie Clark recount their own brutal assaults, but also rally to form organizations for student activists to learn how to file civil complaints when schools ignore their demands. Florida State University's Erica Kinsman relates her allegations against Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, which created huge controversy and disgusting victim-blaming rhetoric. As the cases mount and school reps play dumb. The Hunting Ground becomes a call to arms, an incendiary provocation that has been long overdue.