Black Dog (2024 film)
| Black Dog | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Traditional Chinese | 狗阵 |
| Simplified Chinese | 狗阵 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Gou zhen |
| Directed by | Guan Hu |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Produced by | Zhu Wenjiu |
| Starring | |
| Edited by |
|
| Music by | Breton Vivian |
Production company | The Seventh Art Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Language | Mandarin |
Black Dog (Chinese: 狗阵; pinyin: Gou Zhen) is a 2024 Chinese film directed by Guan Hu and starring Eddie Peng.[1][2]
Black Dog had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2024, where it won the Un Certain Regard prize.[3]
Premise[edit]
Former stunt motorcyclist Lang returns to his hometown on the outskirts of the Gobi desert, where he was a local celebrity prior to his imprisonment. Now residing with his father, Lang must avoid the spiteful local gangster "Butcher Hu", who aims to exact revenge on Lang for his role in his nephew's death. Lang decides to seek the bounty placed on a wild dog as part of a larger program to remove unwanted animals in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, and eventually strikes up an unlikely friendship with the canine.[2]
Cast[edit]
- Eddie Peng as Lang, a former convict
- Tong Liya as Grape, a circus performer in whom Lang takes romantic interest
- Jia Zhangke as Uncle Yao, who leads the canine round-up efforts
- Zhang Yi
- Zhou You
Production[edit]
Guan Hu sought to tell the story of ordinary people left behind by the rapid economic development in China and cast actors who could bring a sense of realism to the project.[4]
Eddie Peng established such a strong bond with Xin, the dog featured in the film, that he adopted the dog after filming had wrapped.[5]
Release[edit]
Black Dog was selected to be screened in the Un Certain Regard section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it had its world premiere on 18 May 2024.[6]
Reception[edit]
Accolades[edit]
| Award | Ceremony date | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival | 24 May 2024 | Un Certain Regard | Black Dog | Won | [3] |
| Palm Dog Award - Grand Jury Prize | Xin | Won | [7] |
References[edit]
- ^ "Gou Zhen (Black Dog)". Cannes Film Festival. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ a b Kiang, Jessica. "'Black Dog' Review: A Resonant, Visually Resplendent China-Noir About Taming the Mad Dog Within". Variety. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ a b Lodge, Guy (24 May 2023). "Cannes Film Festival: 'Black Dog' Wins Un Certain Regard Award". Variety. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
- ^ "Black Dog (Gou Zhen), Guan Hu's vision". Cannes Film Festival. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ Dixon, Louise. "The real stars of Cannes may be the dogs". The Washington Post. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ "The Screenings Guide of the 77th Festival de Cannes". Festival de Cannes. 8 May 2024. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ Alex Ritman (24 May 2024). "Palm Dog Award Won by Canine Star of 'Dog on Trial' While 'Anatomy of a Fall' Breakout Messi Looms Large Over Cannes". Variety. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
