Review: “Black Dog” – Chinese Nation Thriller with Feelgood Furry Antics

“Black Dog,” a film directed by Guan Hu, combines elements of drama, western, and state-of-the-nation commentary, and garnered the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes this year. Notably, it also secured the second prize in the festival’s Palm Dog award due to its heavy canine focus. The film exudes warmth while simultaneously offering grandeur, absurdity, and sentimentality akin to Takeshi Kitano’s works.

Lang, portrayed by Eddie Peng, is a former rock star who emerges from a long prison stint for his involvement in a murder. He finds employment on a dog-catching patrol tasked with cleaning up a Gobi desert outpost in preparation for the 2008 Olympics. Lang eventually captures and adopts a rail-thin, potentially rabid dog that has been plaguing him. This unexpected companionship provides solace from his other troubles, including dealing with his alcoholic father, who is lingering around a soon-to-be-demolished zoo, and Butcher Hu, a local kingpin seeking retribution for his deceased nephew.

Hu, who recently directed a few state-sponsored prestige films, surprises audiences by delving into more probing societal issues, reminiscent of Jia Zhangke’s work. Interestingly, Jia Zhangke himself appears as the leader of the dog catchers. Initially, the film mirrors stifling realism, depicting Lang’s aimless wandering through the city’s decaying estates and the charred edges of the desert. However, Hu injects humor into the narrative, highlighted by scenes of dog-catching minions chasing a swarm of hounds and gangsters confronting Lang mid-bungee jump.

On a more personal level, Lang’s irascible new canine companion could symbolize an inner feral aspect he needs to tame, while the stray dogs may represent those left behind in China’s rapid economic progress. This theme is captured in sweeping, dark-toned shots of dogs traversing plazas and the desolate inhabitants against a backdrop of decay, with closeups reserved for crucial moments.

The rigorous composition loosens somewhat with the introduction of a sub-plot involving a traveling circus and a speculative romance, which comes across as a bit clichéd. However, the bleak yet splendid portrayal of China makes the film’s moments of warmth feel profoundly significant.

“Black Dog” hits UK and Irish cinemas on 30 August.