Red Dog

Story

This movie is based on a book by Louis Bernieres. The book was inspired by the story of Red Dog, a stray kelpie who became an adored member of the small mining community of Dampier, Western Australia, in the 1970s. Dampier now has a bronze statue in Red Dog’s honour.

The story begins when a truck driver and stranger to the town (Luke Ford) arrives at the pub in Dampier. He finds that everyone is preoccupied with a dying kelpie, Red Dog (played by a two-year old dog called Koko).

The movie progresses as a series of flashbacks. Locals such as Vanno (Arthur Angel) and Joko (Rohan Nichol) tell stories about how Red Dog changed their lives. Red Dog was originally found and brought to town by publican Jack (Noah Taylor) and his wife Maureen (Loene Carmen). Jack formed an inseparable relationship with an itinerant American bus driver named John (Josh Lucas). The movie also follows the story of John’s developing relationship with Nancy (Rachael Taylor). What happens next sends Red Dog off on his legendary travels.

Themes

Loss of a loved one; animal distress

Violence

This movie has some violence. For example:

There are several scenes of men fighting. The fights involve punching, knocking people down and holding people in headlocks.
After John stops some men from giving Red Dog a live chicken to kill and eat, the men attack John. Red Dog moves in to save him, barking, growling and knocking down a man.
There are fights between Red Dog and Red Cat. They involve growling, barking, hissing, scratching and yowling as the animals chase each other. They roll over and over locked together.
An intimidating crowd of miners and others gather in front of the Cribbages’ caravan to threaten them over their treatment of Red Dog.

Sexual references

This movie has some sexual references. For example, Italian Vanno talks about women in his village having ‘big beautiful breasts like nuts’.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

This movie shows some use of substances. For example, characters often drink beer in the pub and at functions. There’s also some drunkenness, and men pass out from drinking.

Nudity and sexual activity

This movie has some nudity and sexual activity. For example:

John and Nancy kiss passionately.
One scene shows John and Nancy in bed together, covered by sheets, but apparently naked.
One scene shows a miner dressed only in Y-fronts.

Product placement

Swan lager is shown in this movie.

Coarse language

This movie has some coarse language.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Red Dog is an enjoyable Australian movie based on a true story and featuring some classic characters and popular actors. Younger children might find some scenes disturbing, but it is a good family movie for those with children over 10.

The main messages from this movie are about the loyalty of dogs and the importance of animals to people.

Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include care for animals and community spirit.