Isle of Dogs (2018) Review

Title: Isle of Dogs
Year: 2018
Director: Wes Anderson
Country: US
Language: English

Controversy arises in 2018 when a white film-maker makes a picture about a culture vastly different from his own. Many have asked "Is Isle of Dogs appreciation or appropriation of Japanese culture?" and I'm going to unashamedly say "clearly, appreciation". Wes Anderson's film has many nods to great Japanese artists, particularly Akira Kurosawa and his movies Yojimbo, Throne of Blood, and Seven Samurai.

Mayor Kobayashi (Kunichi Nomura) has exiled every dog to trash island due to disease. A young boy named Atari goes to this island to find his beloved pet.

Wes Anderson has not been kind to dogs throughout his career; in each of his films whenever there is a dog there is great peril (for example, in Moonrise Kingdom a dog is killed by an arrow) This is why, when they heard of Anderson's desire to make this film, the canine actor union protested and forced the director to return to stop-motion animation.

Known for colorful sets and quirky upbeat tales with pop culture soundtracks, Isle of Dogs is a pivot towards somewhat uncharted territory. The apocalyptic atmosphere, complete with a monochromatic grey color and taiko-traditional japanese folk music- make the picture remarkably different from most animation that is usually shown in the mainstream. 

A much needed allegory for our disposable society and the power of the press to make our political leaders accountable; Wes Anderson's multi-layered polarizing work is fairly entertaining due to its story, dry humor and visual appeal. Nowhere near as great as Grand Budapest Hotel, but still worthwhile to view.