Black Dog – Movie Review
Director: Hu Guan
Writer: Rui Ge, Hu Guan (Screenplay)
Cast
- Eddie Peng (Operation Mekong)
- Jing Liang (The Eight Hundred)
- Zhangke Jia (Mountains May Depart)
- Liya Tong (How Long Will I Love U)
- Vision Wei (Endless Journey)
Plot: Released from jail, Lang returns to his hometown in Northwest China. As part of a dog patrol tasked with clearing stray dogs before the 2008 Olympics, he bonds with a black stray. The two lonely souls embark on a new journey together.
Runtime: 1 Hour 46 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Black Dog starts when Lang (Peng) is released from prison and tries to restart his life. he isn’t welcomed back to his neighbourhood and the hostile reception, leaves him accepting people won’t like him. Lang has been assigned to help deal with the stray dog problem in the area, as the country prepares for the 2008 Olympics.
He starts by trying to capture one that has been around the area and soon the pair start bonding. However, they are both stubborn and the battle for control takes over. It creates a bond between unlikely souls who need a fresh start in life.
Verdict on Black Dog
Black Dog is a drama following a released prisoner helping clean up the streets from stray dogs. He ends up befriending an aggressive stray and adopting it. It shows a friendship in an area where he isn’t welcome after his past actions.
This movie takes us on a journey of reform as one man searches for his place after a past crime. The connection he makes with the stray is moving, showing any animal can find calm with the right person. It shows people will live with regret and want to do the right thing for people and animals alike. The dog does steal the show with its commitment to Lang, with Eddie Peng giving a performance which shows the regrets his character lives with.
Where to Watch
BLACK DOG will open in UK and Irish cinemas from Friday 30th August 2024.
Final Thoughts – Black Dog is a moving story about one man and his dog.
