"The Hunt"

The Oscars may finally recognize "The Hunt" in the Best Foreign Language Film category? The intense drama stars Mads Mikkelsen ( "Hannibal") as a teacher whose life changes when a kindergartner kisses him on the lips. Suddenly, the close-knit community the teacher enjoys turns against this alleged pedophile. The friendships he took for granted disintegrate. The Danish star, who won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival, beautifully underplays this common man in uncommon crisis. -- T.A.