Old men and their dogs living a simple life in a rural landscape is what this film is about. To fill in time they hunt for truffles, but being in the country and the bond with their dogs is the essence of the story here.

The landscape is where it all happens and the sense of place, of mood, even of smell, is captured in the scenes at various times of day. It's quite immersive with the action of hunting being a good part of the film and how the men connect with their beloved dogs.

The men are distinct, but also, paradoxically they blend as one in many respects: their lifestyles, their lack of vanity and their bonds with their dogs. If there is one scene that summarizes the film, it's the man who resembles the ancient Leonard da Vinci trying to express why he's frustrated with truffle hunting. He wishes to go back fifty years to a time when being the country, and with the dogs, was what counted, not what happens today where greed is the key motivation. His analogy with seduction is both amusing and telling.

The film is structured in short sequences photographed in a static setting, as if they were paintings, with the subjects composed accordingly. There is no voice-over telling us what is happening, no backstory, we have to understand it as the film develops and this works with excellent editing that expands the story while telling us a bit more about each man and his own personal circumstance. It's very direct, unmediated, except it isn't, but it feels that close, as if we are in their homes, in the musty barns, out of the paths and in the hills.

The dogs complete the three key parts to the film and without them it would not be as an engaging. They are working dogs as well as much loved members of the family, even addressed as such, receiving birthday songs and treats. The dogs' relationship with the men is captured so well, so intimately and authentically, it is sure to make this movie any dog lovers' top film for a very long time.

Many films crave authenticity; they say they are based on real events and inspired by a true story to appeal to our sense of what is true. This movie has authenticity down to the dirt under the fingernails and muddy paws.

I really enjoyed this documentary about four elderly gents - and their four legged friends - who quite literally scavenge the Piedmont countryside looking for one of the most valuable commodities known to culinary science. It takes a sort of fly-on-the-wall approach to exploring and sharing with us how these men operate, how their working practices have changed little since God was a boy. How they get ripped off by intermediaries who then sell these rare fungi onto the restaurant trade for exorbitant prices that only become more so when we have them in a restaurant - it really does give an whole new meaning to the "food chain". The subjects are real characters that provide us with a quirky and engaging look at this subsistence existence that really does entertain for just under ninety minutes. The camerawork - indeed, the entire production - is a little on the basic side, and the audio could do with a little bit of boosting, but somehow that all adds to the integrity of the film and of the men taking part. Next time you have truffle mash, or truffle fries - think on this and maybe it will help you enjoy the flavours just that little bit more.

With all of the chaos in the world, this down-to-earth film, The Truffle Hunters, is perfect to sit down and watch with a bag of popcorn and enjoy. There are dogs, adventure, scandal and more-what's not to like? The Truffle Hunters is a documentary any dog lover will particularly enjoy, as well, since dogs feature prominently in the search for these underground delicacies that mainly grow in woods.

The Truffle Hunters follows four truffle hunters: Carlo Gonella, Sergio Cauda, Aurelio Conterno and Angelo Gagliardi about their work finding truffles along with their dogs. This documentary takes viewers on a journey into the behind-the-scenes process of sniffing out truffles. It is an analytic and emotional exploration of how this indulgent treat is procured. These four truffle hunters are in their older years in life, but still carry an inspirational passion for what they do. Their dogs are no less amazing: Birba, Biri, Charlie, Fiona, Nina and Yari. There are so many elements to this film that make it unique, for example, the cinematography, done by Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw. The different camera angles and perspectives allow you to get a bird's eye view from atop a tree of a man and his dog charging on the snowy terrain or you could be seeing from the POV of a dog hunting and sniffing for truffles along with your human. These different perspectives allow audiences to really embody some of the characters.

The Truffle Hunters was really fascinating to me, because I had no idea what truffles taste like, but after watching this documentary I can't help but imagine. Before the truffle ends up in a wealthy person's mouth, we are shown what happens along the way: the unbreakable bond between hunter and dog; the questionable transactions between hunter and seller; the selling itself, and oh-so-much sniffing by wealthy people looking for an expensive treat. My favorite part of The Truffle Hunters is with Carlo, and his loyal dog Titana. Every scene with them in it is sure to pull on your heartstrings.

Perhaps "enjoy the finer and simpler things in life" is what everyone will take away from The Truffle Hunters. Or maybe the message is, "sometimes it is good to stop and smell...the truffles." This documentary does contain some description of mild violence, smoking and drinking.

I give The Truffle Hunters 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!