32/40
Released from prison, Lang returns to his hometown in northwest China. As part of a dog patrol tasked with clearing out stray dogs ahead of the 2008 Olympics, he is joined by a black mutt. The two lonely souls embark on a new journey together. Eddie Peng [the protagonist] formed such a strong bond with Xin, the dog featured in the film, that he adopted him after filming wrapped. Referenced in Close-Up: The Best Films and Other Results of 2024 (2024). I had no idea what to expect when I saw this film. It was slow-paced but utterly engrossing. It is set in a somewhat bleak environment, but it really opened my eyes to how people exist in some parts of China. It is a stark, barren, treeless existence, but the city is gearing up for the 2008 Beijing Olympics with propaganda blaring over loudspeakers in true Communist China style. Although it is a sober film, there are several parts that are quite humorous and although it is not heavy on dialogue, it is what is NOT said that makes you think. I can see this being a winner at CANNES.
NIGHT NIGHT 2025 TORRENTE
