Movie Review: “Isle of Dogs” (2018)

Rated (PG-13), this film is a brilliant animated work. One, among great ones in theaters now, it teaches many things of value, and is set in Japan.

Knowing that Japan is (according to a western atlas), “a Constitutional Monarchy with two legislative bodies”, its modern government is structured in a way that differs from rule by emperor or empress. Also, Japan’s vast majority of people belong to either “Shinto and Buddhist religion” (according to same source, fifteen years ago edition). Its ancient history has evolved, from supreme leadership and dynasty.

This film, presents a much more ancient system of government, and thereby accentuates some wonderful lessons which I will most definitely share with you in this review.

It’s such a dense narrative, that I need to comment in depth of analysis, without revealing story and spoiling it for you. Not knowing much about this film is what got me in to see it. That, and the really cool short preview clip that I viewed about 8 weeks ago.

One of the prevailing messages of this film, is, that genuine suffering gives people the cause to set things right. Desire, in order to seek carnal gratification, can by itself be misguided; but, enduring injustice, spurns the realest of deep hunger. What is life, if not fought for?

This is true of people of any tradition, and of any race. There is no “master race” vindicated by any presumption of supremacy over other races. There is only a master over you, me, us; who created all of us. You can choose to deny that belief, but some day it will prove superiority. For now, all of us CAN decide the level of obedience, and extent with which to the allow a master to rule you. Humans have choice. Our power of choice, allows us to live in countries that welcome us or even invite us with true longing and desire! My country USA, tolerates all religions, but its foundation is Judaism and Christianity. That foundation protects us and encourages others to convert, so that we can share the blessings with them, and discourage hate and exclusion that other religion(s) profess and teach.

Set in Japan, the story makes excellent use of and exposition of its traditions that we know to be truly rooted in Japanese understandings of virtue (since ancient days); and still today. This film does not simply “showcase” Kabuki Theater, Taiko drumming, Sumo wrestling, Samurai, Japanese cuisine, as expository device; rather, it subtly proves that tradition command and nurture obedience to virtue. It likens a discipline that cultivates honor among humanity, to the natural instincts and purposes for pets and their masters to find bond. This film does not excuse failures or folly in political policies. It also, however, does not champion/advocate for an expectant though blemished populous that would risk otherwise becoming plagued by entitlement and worship of self. What it does do, is subtly remind that cultural traditions are not in itself the origin of human dignity, rather that dignity comes when we treat one another the way we would want to be treated ourselves.

Further making the point, most of us abhor animal neglect or abuse. But, so too it is true, that some people treat their pets better than they treat other human beings – even their own!

Fairness should be the “bedrock” of our laws. Yet, how often do bad human behaviors go unpunished, as minor offenses are treated like capital crimes? Neglected people among us, too, suffer in their loneliness, poverty, and mishandling. For those of you who feel strongly about these principles and agree with us, you will find this film awesome! You will hopefully be able to teach your child and others, that those “within your gates” need to be taken care of, and with dignity. That home has to have laws, and can neither become lawless, nor oppressive! The film reminded me, that we humans are not mere “consumers”, mere “minions”, mere “pawns”, mere “laborers”, though we often feel that is so. A friend of mine reminded of this. We are not to be broken down into voting districts and statistical analyses; nor predictable patterns of thought, to be weakened and discouraged. We’re not to be discarded or dominated, for a vote, often cast to a misguided political autocracy promising us paradise. That said, we do have to respect our traditions; because our traditions are of great benefit and social strength to our meaningful lives. Without traditions, we can feel much less powerful than we really are. And, diversity of tradition is not an impedance. A multicultural society can celebrate diversity and still find common ground in secular governance. As we do in the USA.

So, to talk about some elements other than narrative persuasion, visually stunning is the work of the storyboard artist. The artist really is quite “a star” in his or her own right, among a collaborative production team (all of whom are deserving of critical reward and individual acclaim).

Sound design is “thin” and precise, giving prominence and focused attention to certain sounds. I liked this, because, sometimes quiet or sparse combinations of sound actually accentuate suspense or mystery. In film school, I was taught this sound technique. We were taught about “layers of sound” in our sound design and sound recording classes. Sometimes you might have a time segment of audio with 2 or 3 layers. While sometimes, there would be 0, or 6 layers. And, then here, moments were followed by crescendo also at perfect times. Clearly, the sound design of “Isle of Dogs”, is that of a music composer.

Vocal casting for the characters was just right, providing an element of creationist belief. This was done by having distinctly different dogs, expressed in voice, as well as in appearance and breed.

This film is not a “clash of civilizations” or “culture clash”; no, it is rather an evidence of blending of Eastern and Western religious philosophy. “Modernity” invites the viewers to respect and learn traditions, but, it also invites us to let go of elements of tradition that are of no further use to us personally or in individual cultural tradition. “Eastern” thought, might advocate for the passing down of oral histories, for the purpose of preserving the next generation’s survival. “Western” traditional religious philosophy, might honor The Creator and one another, putting both above the acts of tradition as a “stand alone” or “empty” behavior. In both instances, we can serve one another in ever evolving ways; and this film does give power to the youth of all cultures.

Blending of art-forms used are: stop-action photography, puppetry, traditional hand drawn animation, and computer animation (I believe). It’s quite a feast for the eyes and ears.

The notable artist Yoko Ono (of Japan originally), actor Wes Anderson, and actor Jeff Goldblum, are among the great character voice actors in the film.

The themes within the film writing, are mostly at adult level; but, are still introductory for young teens. It is accurately rated  (PG 13). It is certainly appropriate for youngest of teens. While presenting a challenging story to them; it both introduce and engage high level thinking and study, pertaining to the humanities and social sciences at college and doctoral degree level for certain.

Themes presented, explore: war, public chiding, honor vs. disgrace, political corruption, social justice, social activism, segregation of races, sowing of hatred among wealth classes or between races, prevalent assertions that deceptions are spun by dynasty for monetary advantage and authoritarian domination, conspiracy of science and medicine against the ill – for profit… shaming… and exploit of peoples, abuse (or use) of technological capacity to dominate others (or to help others), issues of power structure… righteous order vs. suppressive control, willful subservience vs. unwilling subservience, deportation and banishment of the ill, discrimination against the just, how provocations or exclusion can lead to aggressive or hostile human behavior, explorations of survival instinct and fight instinct, opportunities for human kindness and reconciliation, exposition of truth, revelations beyond courage.

I told you this was a dense film, didn’t I?

A “black” sheep often carries a fine message, while being noticed among the fellow “white” ones. And, the sentence is true of “Isle of Dogs”. It does not deny that war exists or even that it must, and this film is thereby still a “sheep”, but it does something else to make it “black”. It boldly suggests to children, how to not let any war dictate their own hope filled pursuit of peace and homecoming. And, in so far as that, it is the “black sheep” among war narratives. Most important, is not which war story was told first, or who was there or here first, but that those people who contribute to a nation, receive their proper respect, their dignified treatment, and their “place at the table”, for making it better than it was yesterday.

“Isle of Dogs” is crafted by a very large and very adept crew. The level of creativity and distinction are very noticeable in the film – from its beginning to its end. That creativity provides an emotional continuity that assures you that you are not going to be let down by a weak thesis.

The aesthetic elements and also the location, are rooted in all things Japan. The plot is wonderful. I will not retell it.

For those of you who have seen “District 9” or “WALL-E”, the premise of discrimination, segregation, and banishment, for purpose of slavery and/or punishment – is revisited here in this film also.

The necessary foundation for story, in this film: “Isle of Dogs”, is a fictional hatred pronounced from many years of division among fictional dynasties in Japan – both prodded by inclinations among the populous. There is no naïve presumption placed upon modern day Christians… that we Christians have somehow abandoned the understanding that war in humanity was not ended or settled when Cane killed Abel, nor when Christ killed eternal death in finality, for all who choose eternal life with Him. We understand fully, that war is yet reality, and therefore we do not have to be force-fed some ridiculous idealism. And, this film does not deny that humans still engage in justified wars, to its writer’s credit. Sometimes those wars are over energy, over resources, but in all cases they cause inward or outward strife and manifestations.

In this film, warring political dynasty favors either domesticating and breeding cats, while the other, dogs. I find this a brilliant context, after having grown up to hear so often from people in America that they are either “dog people” or “cat people”; either “morning people” or “night owl’s”. These are all tools of classification, but at worst, the classifications encourage division instead of building bridges between people and their superficial distinctions. Specifically, referring to pets, dogs are known to be loyal, obedient, dependent, and “man’s best friend”, while cats are finicky, coy, stubbornly independent, aloof, and crafty. Those are the polar “extremes” of course. The attributes are used when people want to explain themselves as to how they identify with you, or, how they reject you! They are projecting human moods or inclinations onto their pets, as we do with our cars, jobs, homes, etc. As if we are all saying, “I’m better than you.” Or, “I was here first.”

Well, fortunately, there are people who respect either type of relationship to the pet, cat or dog. They’re the ones in reality who are building bridges. So let’s not burn those down. This film does not set out to decide the supremacy of which attributes are to prevail in some sort of Darwinian “natural selection” way. Instead, like many modern folks who appreciate cats and dogs both alike – appreciating distinct differences, the film hints, that it might be less important to try to set out to determine that answer of supremacy. And instead, to think for yourself instead of on behalf of the government. Of course, you be the judge. I think most agree that much assimilation is necessary for a nation’s survival. But, still be warned, not to be deluded into thought that anybody (regardless of exceptionalness), is immune from becoming the “dispensable” “flavor of the day”. So be yourself! Life is short! Who could be eliminated next? If it so be the whim of the “master”? That’s the point made in this film and it prevails.

Shikoku Sanchi is a land mass just east of the Japanese mainland (in reality). In the film, dogs are banished to a dump of garbage heaps, scrap metal, and disease. This island, is located east of Japan in the story – in the film. It is a fictional place, if I saw correctly, and makes no reference to the real land mass east of the real mainland. In reality, Shikoko Sanchi is the nearest eastern landmass from the mainland. In those near seas, at present, it has been said that China is building islands. Some islands have also been built, somewhere in the Arabian Sea, it has similarly been reported. Without suggesting the intentions behind that reality, this film depicts its island, as a horrible place to die for banished dogs – regardless of their pedigree or health. Is there justification for this? Watch the movie and decide.

The nephew of “Mayor Kobayashi”, just a boy, sets out to the island all alone. His quest is to find the dog “Spots”, whom his uncle banished there to die and to be forgotten. Lies within his administration, mass deception reported to the public, conspiracy of government with doctors and scientists, and rule by decree, have grown so thick. Even his innocent adopted “son” (nephew), is now considered by the mayor and his cohorts, none too close to be spared of the clutches of deceit. You see, his biological father was also a ruler.

I like very much that this film depicts what happens to people who blindly respect authority. I equally like what happens to the people who don’t respect and obey a justified and well reasoned authority (in the film).

Unessential but interesting fact: it just so happens, Japan today, has a land region that is now home to a large and growing population of wild cats. It’s true! The locals feed these cats, and this “mob” of wild felines actually could develop into a problem for the community, if their cat haven turns to disaster. And it likely will! I hope that the Japanese people can spay and neuter their cats!

But, in “Isle of Dogs”, the animals are actually not in any kind of animal heaven. No, they’re actually (as explained) banished to suffering and death! Could their diseases be cured, were it not for the hatred of the ruling dynasty for dogs? Is [“mayor” Kobayashi (emperor)] exploiting human fear? Do the people truly believe that the dynasty is justified in banishment from the mainland, all the dogs? Are their illnesses not brought into vaccination and control? Will the humans get sick too? Do the dogs steal, kill, bite, and cause trouble? Well, in this film, the dogs are truly hated for belonging to dog species; the goal is to exterminate them, and to breed cats only! And the hatred began when there was discord among those who rule. They had to “draw their lines in the sand”; after all there is such thing as limitation.

The dynasty’s “minions” are poisoned, betrayed, put under house arrest, imprisoned and fined. No one is to dissent. Truths are suppressed by lies and conspiracy. Are the robots used for exploratory missions to save dogs or bring them to safety? Or, to capture, kidnap, and kill them, all without just cause? What gives rise to a spread of peace and justice even among different pedigree? What or who alleviates the pressure upon certain pedigree to “perform” ever-better and swifter, until “the bar” is raised too high for anyone to grab a hold of? What if so much so, as for all, and incurably, without the help and teamwork?

What could be more powerful, as a foil, than the affection young persons have for one another? And, “animals” for their kind masters?

Animals all through history have been slaughtered for our food. This is a must and is our right and pleasure. But, much in the same spirit as “Animal Farm”, this film uses animals as a story telling device to teach us compassion for our fellow man. A psychological device is used as well. It’s known as “projection”. This film teaches compassion for those who are given unfairness.

This film takes the grittiest of subject matter, and presents it in masterful stop-action photography; really amazing and fine work.

The sound design is “master”-full, and, enhanced by very vivid use of light, shadow, music, and theater.

You are not to be disappointed. Just remember, youngest of kids are likely not quite ready for this one. It’s up to you parents; and at your risk to bring kids in who are not yet at least 13.

While this film encourages further study on consequences of man interacting with machine (ie. ”android” or “robot”), I’d like to take my readers on a little journey back in time also. So, my next review will be one in brief, on the films ”WALL-E”, and it’s close “relative” “Short Circuit”. I hope you’ll enjoy a brief review on how they both relate to each other. And, in some part we can liken it to “Isle of Dogs”. While they differ and each stand alone, the storytellers of the 1980’s and new, present a common thread. It will be my pleasure to highlight that, because maybe you’ll take the time to see those films as well! Your kids will like them! And, you can build a bridge between you and them, across the “age divide”, in finding that some of the older films had quite a bit right in their day too. So true, regarding the teachings of compassion, without having to “slaughter” your own history, tradition, beliefs, holy things, and culture, just to satisfy the norms of the time!