Set against the moody expanse of the Gobi Desert, Black Dog creates its own unique kind of western noir through its handsomely shot and absurdly droll tale of redemption. Filled with expansive imagery and percolating with sly cultural critique, this is a beautiful story of human–animal friendship told without excessive sentimentality.
Newly released from prison and unwelcome in his hometown, Lang finds work with a stray dog patrol brought in to 'clean up' the town in the lead up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Forced to quarantine with a scorned stray dog, the pair end up falling into an unlikely camaraderie. The burgeoning bond between the two misfits brings Lang a renewed humanity and the black sighthound of the title acceptance and understanding.
The quietly impressive Taiwanese superstar Eddie Peng plays Lang alongside the film’s breakout canine star, Xiao Xin. Such was the depth of the real-life bond between Peng and his canine co-stars, the actor adopted the black dog, as well as two other dogs who appear in the film.
3 Feb - 9 Feb
Gates open 6pm | Film starts 8pm
Duration 116mins
2-for-1 Tuesdays Get two tickets for $22
Festival Club membership prices available.