RED DOG (REVIEW)
Rated
PG - 92 mins
Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylor, Noah Taylor, Luke Ford, Keisha Castle-Hughes,
Bill Hunter
I'll just come out and say it up front - this is
the best Australian film of the year! An absolute crowd-pleaser that audiences
will no doubt immediately tell their friends all about; then go see it again.
Man's best friend has never been so fascinating. Based on
a true story that's been reworked as an old outback fable about a well loved canine
known as Red Dog. Set during the 1970s in the dusty surrounds of Dampier, a mining
town up in the remote north of Western Australia. The film begins when young truck
driver Thomas (Luke Ford, last seen in the award winning 'Animal Kingdom') rolls
into town and enters the local pub. Unfortunately everyone inside is sombre as
out in the back room lays a sick dog that the whole community seems to be worried
about.
As the night unfolds, Thomas is told by each person
their stories of Red Dog. Flashback sequences explain in fragments why each individual
is concerned, the tear enhancing folk tale is full of joy, friendship, theatrics
and the essence of loyalty. The focus on the characters works in the film's favour.
Sure, there are some stereotypes amongst the beer drinking male dominated mining
town, but this is much more than just a cute doggy movie.
Red
Dog may go from companion to companion looking for affection, but he randomly
chooses his master in the form of the local bus driver. Anyone who is remotely
fond of animals of any kind and the type of harmony they can bring to owners,
this is the film for you.
Best known for dramatic turns in
'American Psycho' and 'The Lincoln Lawyer', actor Josh Lucas is uplifting as John
the bus driver, as is Rachael Taylor as his love interest Nancy. The obviously
well trained, headlining mutt is excellent played by Koko, a defining debut for
an animal showing intellect and lovable human attributes. The ensemble support
cast are all commendable, while it's nice to see the late Bill Hunter make an
affirming cameo appearance.
Cinematography of the sunburnt
terrain captured on the big screen looks picture perfect, while retro Aussie rock
and roll classics filter through on the soundtrack. As family friendly as this
is, some dramatic moments of concern filter through as Red Dog lays unwell at
the pub in-between the flourishing storytelling. A must see.
There
is even some amusing combat against a renegade feral feline known as Red Cat,
but most of all tears will be shed with a wonderful, but moving conclusion that
may prove too emotionally devastating for animal lovers.
Shane
A. Bassett
