Black Dog

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Black Dog

Released Nov 22, 2024

1h 46m

Drama

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98%

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40 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

On the edge of the Gobi desert in Northwest China, Lang returns to his hometown after being released from jail. While working for the local dog patrol team to clear the town of stray dogs before the Olympic Games, he strikes up an unlikely connection with a black dog. These two lonely souls now embark on a new journey together.

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Critics Consensus

Guan Hu delivers a poetic and redemptive journey through China with Black Dog, reminding us that the best of friends often has four legs.

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Christian Zilko

IndieWire

While the plot runs out of gas and occasionally threatens to go off the rails, Guan’s strong visual direction ensures that “Black Dog” never ceases to be interesting.

Rated: B

Jan 30, 2025

Full Review

Stephen Romei

The Australian

This is a man and dog versus the rest drama with a social conscience and a deadpan sense of humour.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 3, 2025

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Philip De Semlyen

Time Out

Next to Umberto D., Chinese director Guan Hu may just have made the enduring masterpiece of man-and-dog movies -- Citizen Canine, if you will -- in this soul-filling homecoming odyssey set on the windswept fringes of the Gobi Desert.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 11, 2024

Full Review

Surya Komal

Just for Movie Freaks

Black Dog is a meditative exploration of one man’s search for redemption amidst societal collapse.

Rated: 3.75/5

Apr 30, 2025

Full Review

Tony Asankomah

GhMovieFreak

This feels like a film made for filmmakers and true cinephiles. Those who appreciate nuance, patience, and storytelling that thrives on hints and subtlety.

Rated: 8/10

Apr 27, 2025

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Carlos Bonfil

La Jornada

...an emotional and intimate film, loaded with biting commentary on the harsh realities of contemporary China. [Full review in Spanish]

Apr 21, 2025

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Mick

Outstanding story about the bonds between humans and dogs, encapsulated in one man's journey/struggle to be relevant upon release from prison. Well written and well acted.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

Full Review

MB C

Black Dog is a raw, poetic exploration of isolation, societal decay, and fragile redemption. Director Guan Hu crafts a visually rich, slow-burning narrative that favors imagery over dialogue, capturing the soul of a nation in transition. While some subplots feel underdeveloped, and occasional melodrama creeps in, the film’s visual storytelling, understated performances (especially by Eddie Peng), and symbolic use of the desolate landscape create a haunting, memorable experience. It's a film that speaks more through silence and shadows than words.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/09/25

Full Review

Les N

What happened I don't know....as usual, but it was great fun

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/02/25

Full Review

John L

The dogs were good. The human acting was dreadful. The plot was good enough but it was hopelessly directed . Very unconvincing.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/10/24

Full Review

Rob W

Not expecting much, I went along and came out moved, thoughtful and lifted. Not an awful lot happens but there is momentum and a rounded story of redemption. Really liked the leads both human and canine. Really fascinating imagery alongside a tail/tale of man and dog rescuing each other. I really liked it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/01/24

Full Review

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Hu Guan

Director

Eddie Peng

Lang

Liya Tong

Raisin

Zhang-Ke Jia

Uncle Yao

Yi Zhang

The manager

Zhou You

Nie

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Synopsis

On the edge of the Gobi desert in Northwest China, Lang returns to his hometown after being released from jail. While working for the local dog patrol team to clear the town of stray dogs before the Olympic Games, he strikes up an unlikely connection with a black dog. These two lonely souls now embark on a new journey together.

Director: Hu Guan
Producer: Jing Liang, Wenjiu Zhu
Screenwriter: Hu Guan, Rui Ge, Bing Wu
Production Co: The Seventh Art Pictures
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 22, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 46m

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