The Hunting Ground

Radius-TWC and The Weinstein Company

Like Kirby Dick's previous documentary "The Invisible War," this is a film about cases of sexual assault being covered up by an institution. That previous film was about rape in the military, and this film deals with it in the college system. Focusing on the many cases of women who report and are then demonized for it, "The Hunting Ground," shows the predatory relationship between universities and perpetrators of sexual assault.

 The original song "Til It Happens to You," by Lady Gaga was nominated for Best Original Song, which it flat out should have won. If you watched the performance at the Oscars in February, then I am sure you agree with me. No matter how good that whiney Sam Smith song was, it cannot compare to the grace and raw animal allure that is Lady Gaga. Pairing the soul eviscerating song with the equally heartbreaking documentary made for an emotional performance and deeply evocative film watching experience.

 The documentary looks at the issues of college rape in a number of ways. It covers student athlete's entitlement, the system of fraternities and how their generational cooperation in the university system lends them bulletproof armor, and how women are advocating for other survivors through Title IX. Really, what it comes down to is money. The universities don't want to be accountable for rape, because they don't want people to think rape is rampant on their campuses. They need endowments, donations from alumni, endorsements from multiple sources because of their athletic departments, and to protect themselves against lawsuits from people convicted of sexual assault on campus.

 While survivors of rape already have a difficult time through reporting, going to trial, and having their reputations and image somehow tainted, survivors on college campuses face all these issues, and the bias of their universities. They sometimes have to leave school, face serious backlash if they go against their universities, and battle severe mental health issues, sometimes leading to suicide. If you don't understand the problems of women being sexually assaulted in this country, this is yet another film that gives voices to those who aren't taken seriously, aren't heard in the realm of the almighty university system.  Don't cry for them, but stand with them in solidarity, because they are much stronger than you will ever understand.