Guan Hu’s transformational neo-noir film offers a cinematic rehab for dog haters, transforming them into canine aficionados in this heart-rending drama that won the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes 77.
The last time a dog made history at the Cannes Film Festival with impeccable acting chops and melodramatic moments was Messi, a French Border Collie from Anatomy of a Fall, who even had his own red-carpet moment. A year later, the Palm Dog Award winner quietly gains absolute attention with Guan Hu‘s incredibly fascinating film, Black Dog, currently presented in the Asia Pacific strand of the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival.
Jia Zhangke’s guest appearance is already a marvel in cinema, but what raises the bar here is the attention given to both men and dogs in extraordinary ways. When Lang (Eddie Peng) arrives in a town on the outskirts of the Gobi Desert, not everyone welcomes him with open arms. Perhaps this year’s Un Certain Regard section holds a special place for sandy deserts, as Tawfik Alzaidi’s Norah and Mo Harawe’s The Village Next to Paradise both depict the same dusty and dry atmosphere. As for Lang, his taciturn manner and sour past turn him into an outcast in the city. Meanwhile, the community is increasingly concerned about the large number of stray dogs abandoned by their owners. A plan to capture these dogs emerges as part of a futuristic initiative for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There’s also a reward for capturing a unique black dog (Xin), which has a history of biting and has raised concerns about rabies. Lang seizes the opportunity to obtain the reward, and eventually, it comes within his grasp. Little did we know that a sudden change of heart could move mountains within Lang and his stray dog.
Guan Hu, the director, encircles the film with a robust connection to symbolism, expressed in various facets. Gao Weizhe’s cinematography captures a direct focus on the city’s ruins and the destruction and demolition that occur to make way for new economic development. This somehow reflects Lang’s evolving personality in parallel, where his reserved and coarse nature takes center stage. The people surrounding Lang describe his history and their perspectives on him, acting as narrators to dissect Lang’s identity from multiple angles—out of respect, concern, curiosity, and vengeance. The community embodies a naturalism that resembles a Chinese version of Guillermo del Toro’s fictional world, with each character contributing a unique liveliness to the film. This bears a striking resemblance to the screenplay in Na Jiazuo’s Streetwise, where the community is imbued with an anomalous tone, evoking a surreal and unsettling atmosphere.
What drew my attention was Guan Hu’s comparison of Lang to stray dogs, highlighting their similar body language. The lack of verbal communication, from Lang’s reticent silence to the way he sits by the side of the pavement, feeling carefree in his own world, fully embodies the traits of a stray dog.
As Lang’s fragile heart begins to cater to the needs of the stray, a spellbinding bond forms in which both Lang and the dog find salvation, helping to heal their inner wounds. The care Lang bestows upon the dog brings him more bliss and positivity, allowing him to embark on a new journey that shifts his entire energy and lifestyle, hooked on a profound purpose.
Undoubtedly, Black Dog fully utilizes the Un Certain Regard objective, presenting a fresh look at how violence against animals can ruin bonds and affections, disrupting the ecosystem of harmony—similar to the vibe of White God by Kornél Mundruczó. It’s a transformational neo-noir film that profoundly provides warmth and comfort for the eyes and heart, making it an unmissable experience that conveys a message of love that never loses its charm.
Hundreds of other stray dogs watch as Lang rides his bike with his injured black dog down the road, evoking a sense of admiration and gratitude for all dogs worldwide—a testament to the abilities dogs possess that surpass human perceptions. Not only does the film focus on animal bonding, but it also explores how humans and animals can assist each other in resolving personal difficulties, such as abandonment issues or seeking affection to alleviate feelings of anguish. The film ultimately moves us, with the potential to transform even the most reluctant into dog lovers.
Actor Eddie Peng’s decision to adopt Xin in real life speaks volumes about the film’s uplifting impact, with a special mention for Xin for winning our hearts all the way to the top.
Black Dog is currently showcased at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2024 whose audiences are also enjoying titles such as Norah, Armand, Motel Destino, La Cocina and Simon of the Mountain, among others.
