Lang returns to his roots near the Gobi Desert, forming a deep bond with a stray dog while working with local patrols. Directed by Guan Hu, Black Dog explores themes of solitude and the impact of rapid change in China, contrasting the Olympic progress symbolized in Beijing with the struggles of those in overlooked towns. This road movie also highlights the wildness of nature through encounters with various creatures, blending social realism with poetic elements.
A Heartfelt and Enigmatic Bond
Lang returns to his roots, situated at the edge of the breathtaking Gobi Desert. While he takes on a role with the local patrol responsible for managing the stray dog population, he forms an unexpected friendship with one of these wandering canines. This encounter marks a transformative chapter for both these isolated beings.
Directed by the talented Guan Hu, recognized for his work on The Eight Hundred and honored with the Un Certain Regard Prize at the latest Cannes Film Festival, Black Dog presents a duo that encapsulates both poetic depth and wildness amid the understated beauty of their environment.
Alongside themes of solitude, the character of Lang—masterfully brought to life by Eddie Peng—along with the enigmatic black dog, exudes a ghostly allure. The mystery surrounding the origins of these two central figures serves as a compelling narrative choice. As the director articulates, “It is often challenging to encapsulate the essence of events in just a few words. On the flip side, speculation captivates the imagination. Unraveling the causes and effects of their journey would create a drama, a tragedy, rather than reflect the nuances of real life.”
A Contemporary Western Set in the Gobi Desert
Although Guan Hu drew inspiration from Jack Kerouac’s On the Road during filming, he intentionally distances the film from typical Western influences. However, Black Dog appears to weave some elements of the genre into its fabric. Lang, riding solo on his motorcycle, navigates through the stunning and unique terrains of the Gobi Desert, all while whistling tunes reminiscent of rock music.
As he traverses these expansive plains, Guan Hu also immerses us in a real oil town located in western China. “I am fascinated by the remnants of cities that once flourished because of oil, the director shares. This reality carries a symbolic weight that narrates a chapter of recent history and bears witness to the lives of those who once thrived there.”
Black Dog additionally unfolds as a road movie teeming with wild creatures: packs of stray dogs, solitary wolves, and venomous snakes remind us of the primal nature striving to reclaim its dominion.
A Reflection on Overlooked China
While Black Dog offers moments of pure introspection, it also serves as a humanistic narrative championed by Guan Hu. The story commences against the backdrop of the Beijing Olympic Games.
“I have personally witnessed the monumental economic transformations that have swept across China over the last three or four decades, the filmmaker explains. This rapid change is perhaps unparalleled. Many individuals have been overlooked in this process, struggling to find their place amidst the upheaval. The Olympic Games stand as a prominent symbol of progress in China. Conversely, the small town in western China embodies a different reality, one that many remain unaware of. I find this context profoundly impactful.”
In this decaying town, residents battle to adapt to the fast-paced social changes. Drawing from his own insights, Guan Hu crafts a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of those left behind by progress. “My curiosity lies in understanding what drives these individuals, what enables their survival,” he confesses.
Straddling the line between social realism and poetic abstraction, Black Dog is now showing in theaters.