“Red Dog” movie review

by Sharleigh Cianflone

Red Dog is an Australian film directed by Kriv Stenders that tells the true story of a
Kelpie who captured the hearts of Western Australia in the 1970s. The movie is heart-
warming, endearing, humorous, and affecting, portraying the relationship between
man and dog in a mining town. The screenplay is charming, and the filmmaking is
strong, making Red Dog an instant classic in the dog movie genre. The film is based
on Louis de Bernieres' novel set in the 1970s, celebrating the life and times of the
famous four-legged Pilbara traveller.

The movie has a droll exchange that captures the magic of this visually striking film.
However, the movie starts slowly, with the first ten or fifteen minutes being boring.
The script juggles protagonists without settling on anyone, lacking a key human
character through whom the story can gain traction. Despite these flaws, Red Dog is a
good-natured, easily loveable Australian gem that will make you laugh and cry. The
fact that this is a non-fiction story adds to the picture's wonder. The humour is
uniquely Australian, and the emotions feel genuine rather than shamelessly
manipulative.

The tragedy is balanced with an emotionally uplifting final scene. However, a couple
of villains pop up in the form of upright caravan park caretakers, and they are far too
broad and over-the-top. Kriv Stenders’ direction and storytelling are clean and
engaging, eschewing pretension, showiness, and heavy-handedness for an
appropriately simple approach. Cinematographer Geoff Hall skilfully captures the
natural beauty of the Australian outback. The lovely soundtrack is full of vintage rock
songs from the era, supplemented by an atmospheric score courtesy of Cezary
Skubiszewski.

The cast is superb, with American Josh Lucas as Red Dog’s only master, Rachael Taylor
as Nancy, who was a huge part of Red Dog’s life, and Noah Taylor as Jack. The late,
great Bill Hunter even pops up for a delightful cameo. But the star of the film is Koko
the dog, who fulfilled leading man responsibilities with utmost confidence. Koko is
one hell of a performer who’s both loveable and convincing, and who eloquently
responds to the requirements of each scene. Despite its flaws, Red Dog is a highly
effective film that contains numerous impressive moments. It has the ability to evoke
emotions, provide entertainment, and elicit laughter.

The charm of the main character, the dog, is undeniable. Overall, this delightful
Australian movie is a success, and only someone with a negative outlook would fail to
enjoy it.