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I had no idea idea what to expect when I saw this movie. It was slow moving but fully engrossing. It is set amongst a somewhat grim environment but really opened my eyes to how people exist in some parts of China. It is an austere existence, barren and treeless yet the town is gearing up for the 2008 Beijing Olympics with propaganda blasted over the loudspeakers in true communist China fashion.

Although it is a sobering film, there are several parts that are quite humorous and while it isn't heavy on dialogue, it is what NOT is said that makes you think.

I can see what this was a winner at CANNES.

Many films about the special relationship between man and his four-legged best friend have been made over the years, and it's a formula that nearly always manages to please. So it is with the latest offering from writer-director Guan Hu, the story of a former inmate who's been paroled to his hometown on the fringe of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China after 10 years in prison for a manslaughter conviction, an incident in which he had apparently become unwittingly involved. As he seeks to make amends for his past and start his life over, former motorcycle stunt artist/musician Lang Yonghui (Eddie Peng) returns to his roots as China had become engaged in an aggressive, ongoing national program of upgrading its infrastructure in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In this case, this undertaking is a much-needed improvement for a faltering community that has become seriously run down and depopulated. And that exodus, in turn, has created a secondary problem: as many former residents departed, they abandoned their pets (especially dogs), creating a population of strays that has now ballooned to overwhelming proportions. Given this preponderance of feral canines - many of whom have become unruly, vicious and a public health risk - local authorities are in desperate need of help in rounding them up. In light of that, as part of Lang's government-sanctioned reintegration program, he is assigned to a job in animal control. But, as something of an unassuming soft touch, he struggles to carry out his duties. That becomes particularly true when he's charged with corralling a gaunt, mangy, assertively territorial black dog (Xin) suspected of having rabies, a scenario that leads to a decidedly belligerent confrontation between man and beast. However, once the stray is in custody, Lang and his captive begin developing an unexpectedly close bond. Lang ends up adopting the pooch, and they thus embark on an odyssey of self-discovery for themselves and one another as they work through issues of their own making and the exploration of their newfound relationship. The result is a heartwarming tale filled with genuine affection and loving mutual support, admittedly sometimes a tad obvious in their depiction but undoubtedly always sincere to the core. The narrative truly works best when it focuses on this primary relationship, a story thread that, regrettably, is sometimes intruded upon a little too much by an array of subplots whose variable, sometimes under-explained development and occasionally meandering nature can detract from what works best. Nevertheless, these minor distractions aside, "Black Dog" is an otherwise-engaging, enjoyable saga of two outcasts in search of redemption and the wonders that the power of friendship can work for those looking to get their lives back on track. But, then, that's why our four-legged furry companions have deservedly earned their reputation as man's best friends. This winner of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard Award and Independent Spirit Award nominee for Best International Film is available for streaming online.

A beautiful, slow-burn, and memorizing tale of the grim environment of the rural parts of China with strong performances, direction, writing, and structure. Filmmaker Guan Hu achieves with exploring the relationship between man and dog from a Chinese perspective and filled with gorgeous camerawork, sound designs, and interesting narrative choices, it brings out the realism, engagement, and examination of the characters in a nature way.

With little dialogue, the sobering approach, art-house pacing, and style really brings the narrative into a whole new light. The performances from Eddie Peng and the rest of the cast are great and many of the characters, while some characters could have been explored a little better. I appreciate the movie on exploring about dogs, humanism and society without a biased approach and crafting something that is unique.

Having won the Un Certain Regard prize, I can see why.

Black Dog is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of human resilience and the complexities of morality. Directed with remarkable subtlety, the film masterfully blends psychological depth with poetic storytelling, creating an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

The strength of Black Dog lies in its characters. Each one is richly drawn, with motivations and struggles that feel deeply authentic. The protagonist's journey is portrayed with such raw vulnerability that it's impossible not to empathize, even as their decisions veer into morally ambiguous territory. The supporting cast elevates the narrative further, delivering performances that are understated yet profoundly affecting.

Visually, the film is a masterpiece. The cinematography captures both the starkness and the beauty of the settings, using light and shadow to evoke an atmosphere of tension and melancholy. The use of symbolism is subtle but powerful, adding layers of meaning without feeling forced or pretentious.

The pacing is deliberate but never dull, allowing the story to unfold organically. This measured approach heightens the emotional impact, drawing the audience deeper into the characters' world. The soundtrack, too, deserves special mention-it complements the narrative perfectly, blending traditional and modern elements to underscore key moments.

At its core, Black Dog is a meditation on survival and redemption. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature while offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

Outstanding drama directed by Hu Guan from China, so, no wonder it won the top honour in the Un Certain Regard sidebar at Cannes for this year.

The story revolves around a guy who, following a period of incarceration, comes home and takes a job ridding a town of stray dogs in time for the Olympic Games. The drama is set on the edge of the Gobi desert in Northwest China. However, he unexpectedly bonds with a black dog, and the two of them set out on a new adventure.

The dog star of the movie took home a dog award earlier in the day when he received the Palm Dog Grand Jury prize! If you love dogs, amazing cinematography, exceptional acting and directing - do not miss this one... impossible not to enjoy it!