Chasseurs de Truffes

The profound differences between the lives of four old men who have devoted themselves to their dogs and to truffle hunting is contrasted throughout the film with those who make their money and their meals by exploiting them.

Honestly, I give out ten's sparingly, because most films aren't perfect, but this one certainly approaches perfection. The name says it all, it's a documentary about truffle hunters and their dogs, yet the film reveals a world most of us have never even thought about much less seen, and in such a considered, artistic way.

Each character is so quirky and interesting, and the conversations are so authentic, it's almost as if the entire thing were a scripted film, but of course it's not. What contributes to this aesthetic is the lush photography, the considered framing and the almost art-directed natural look of rustic Italy, where it takes place.

'The Truffle Hunters' utterly captivating, human and life-affirming, it's one you shouldn't miss.

To me this isn't really a documentary, there is no commentary, no explanation, we just see static camera shots of people going about their daily lives. One snippet of an old man washing his dog, both in a tub. A scene of an old man eating his dinner and giving a bite to his dog. An old man and his two dogs climbing a hillside in the woods. Two men bargaining on the price of a few grams of fresh truffles. Two men talking about the idiots who poison dogs.

What all these have in common, they are involved with the ancient art of truffle hunting. I found it interesting but not captivating. It gave me a glimpse into a life and livelihood, or hobby, I knew nothing about. And I am glad about that. However if I were to assign a rating on the 1 to 10 scale, compared to other documentaries, I think "5" would be fine. It was satisfying to a degree but could have been so much better with a bit of work.

On DVD from my public library.

Great film with amazing cinematography. The story is original and interesting to watch but shots do run a little too long at times. It is not told in a traditional documentary format, which made me curious to what would happen next. Lot's of information was sneaked into my mind that I did notice until later in the film.

I do wish this film was a little bit better, the idea and summery was very intriguing to me but because of the slow nature in shots I did tend to get bored.

If one is a dog lover this is a much watch.

Real. I just loved it.... So refreshing without a fast pace and clips .

Stunning photo. Loveable real people.

And a message to a greedy world out there. A masterpiece.