Red Dog Movie Review

Red Dog tells the story of a free spirited kelpie who roamed the Pilbara in Australia's North West. The film is based on the novella “Red Dog" written by UK author Louis De Bernieres (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin) who was inspired to write a story about this fascinating dog after visiting the statue that locals had erected in the town of Dampier, Western Australia.

The film is set in the 1970's and the mostly male population of tough miners in the town of Dampier are intrigued by the Red Dog (Koko) that has decided to adopt their town. Thomas (Luke Ford ) is a truck driver who pulls into town late one night to be confronted by an emergency involving the Red Dog, and as word starts to spread, Thomas begins to hear various stories from the locals as they arrive at the scene about this unique dog and how he impacted the community.

For Vanno (Arthur Angel) the Italian migrant Red Dog was friend who would sit and listen to him rabbit on about the "old country" when others would tire. Jocko (Rohan Nichol) a widower explains how the Red Dog saves his life, and there is the story of John (Josh Lucas) Red Dog's one true master, who shared an amazing bond with Red Dog that no one else quite had.

Like all dog movies there are moments of sadness and I did wonder later on why all dog movies have to be sad? I guess it’s because dogs can lead short yet interesting and loving lives and that can be felt really hard when they are no longer around.

Red Dog is part drama, part comedy  with a touch of fiction thrown in by the locals narrating the past under the influence of a beer or two. These slight touches of exaggeration are acceptable is it makes the story fun and enhance the legend of the Red Dog.

Red dog is currently enjoying box office success with most major cinemas across Australia showing regular sessions each day. Check your local guides and be sure not to miss it while it’s still on the big screen.

I highly recommend you see this movie; we give it double paws up rating!