When we think about dog films, we think about overly sentimental, feel-good flicks, with the dogs sometimes voiced by famous actors, that affirm the relationship between man and his best friend. White God is a dog movie, but it’s not that kind of dog movie. The dogs are not voiced, but yet they feel so personable as co-writer and director Kornél Mundruczó turns Hagen’s time in the street into a series of escapades, some exciting and some downright terrifying, where he evades the cruelty of man. And as the film alternates between Hagen and the young Lili, Mundruczó questions the ways we treat our furball best friends, the way we also treat those that are in our care.
13 year old Lili fights to protect her dog Hagen, and is devastated when her father sets Hagen free on the streets. Still innocently believing love can conquer any difficulty, Lili sets out to save her dog. Failing in his desperate efforts to find his beloved owner, Hagen joins a canine revolt leading a revolution against their human abusers.
Due to Hungary’s mongrel tax, thirteen-year-old Lili is angry when her dad sets her mixed-breed dog Hagen on the streets. She sets out to find Hagen, while Hagen sets out to find her too.
Of course, it’s going to be the absurd scene of 250 dogs chasing down Lili. Where else are you going to see a scene like this?
If you have one, please hug your dog for me, thanks.
Cannes
2 wins
Sundance
1 nomination
European Film Awards
1 nomination
