The movie never has a real climax nor is it set up to have one. The most redeeming quality is its passivity. Such a comment may not seem like flattery, but hear me out. The movie very accurately captures the mundaneness that is life and the ever so rare mishaps that disrupt it. If drama is life with the boring parts cut out then this movie manages to successfully cut nothing out. I suppose that is the beauty of the movie: nothing ever seems contrived or pieced together. There are no real villains in this movie nor is it designed for the audience to choose sides. The movie is therefore flat, but in this case that is a good thing because it is different. As far as the comedy goes, on about three or four jokes I genuinely laughed at. Again, they are lines one might hear in real life discourse. Ultimately I got a sense of sincerity out of the movie, and for that it is worth a viewing.
52 Reviews
very original black comedy
c_waddle11 August 2005
I only found about this movie through the director Bong Jun Ho, who I think is a legend for producing Salineui Chuak. Anyways my hopes were high for this movie.
This was the debut film for the director Bong and the camera-work and music scores are kind of crude for a recent Korean film. That's not a bad thing since it brings more vibrancy and tension of the situation, especially in the chase scenes.
Some people might find themselves disturbed by the scenes with the dogs, but there isn't much in it, just the fact that they're not treated like your ordinary pet. Try to put yourself into a Korean's point of view where a dog isn't any different from chicken.
The comedy element cannot be missed out too. The situations are so hilarious and fresh, it felt as if my new eye opened. What's amazing is that these situations look realistic and it's believable.
Some marks were deducted because even though the scenes were original and executed well, the director failed to put them all together to have some sort of meaning. It's really weird how my favourite scenes are the ones that could've been cut (like the toilet paper scene and the ghost story in the basement)
This was the debut film for the director Bong and the camera-work and music scores are kind of crude for a recent Korean film. That's not a bad thing since it brings more vibrancy and tension of the situation, especially in the chase scenes.
Some people might find themselves disturbed by the scenes with the dogs, but there isn't much in it, just the fact that they're not treated like your ordinary pet. Try to put yourself into a Korean's point of view where a dog isn't any different from chicken.
The comedy element cannot be missed out too. The situations are so hilarious and fresh, it felt as if my new eye opened. What's amazing is that these situations look realistic and it's believable.
Some marks were deducted because even though the scenes were original and executed well, the director failed to put them all together to have some sort of meaning. It's really weird how my favourite scenes are the ones that could've been cut (like the toilet paper scene and the ghost story in the basement)
Compelling visuals, brilliant performances & smart editing.
taryllsbaker19 October 2016
Barking Dogs Never Bite is written & directed by Bong Joon-ho and stars Sung-jae Lee, Doona Bae, Hie-bong Byeon, Su-hee Go and Ho-jung Kim.
An idle part-time college lector is annoyed by the yapping sound of a near-by dog. He decides to take drastic action.
Bong Joon-ho is a critically-acclaimed, visionary director who has created some of cinema's finest moments; be it cinematography, editing or storytelling, he has made a name for himself and is most definitely one to look out for. But, what kickstarted this successful career? A little film called Puhran Dah Suh Uigeh, translated as Barking Dogs Never Bite. The question is, how good is it?
The answer; very good. Even though the story seems unadorned, this is an incredibly intricate experience, featuring compelling visuals, brilliant performances, smart editing and the foundation of Joon-ho's unique staging technique. He allows actors to perform with their body, eyes and hands, as a way of attracting the viewers attention, further propelling the story forward. This can be seen in the scene where the Janitor (Hie-Bong Byeon) is telling the tale of Boiler Kim in the apartment complex basement. Ensemble staging becomes a great part of Joon-ho's films, especially in Memories of Murder, but this is where it started. The performances from Sung-jae Lee and Doona Bae are satisfyingly entertaining, and although never branching out to anything more dynamic, they both complement each other well and keep the film running trippingly.
Original music by Sung-woo Jo is strangely fitting and enjoyable, being a well- developed framework that sounds simplistic yet never venturing too far as to distract the viewer.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, editing is a huge part of any film, and so should be treated with absolute care. I imagine Joon-ho had a watchful eye over Eun Soo Lee in the editing process. There are moments where it's sharp and fast-paced and others slow and steady, it all depends on the pace and rhythm of the scene. It's also hard to place the genre of this film, it's sold as a dark comedy, but here and there are drops of horror/thriller themes, which really adds to the originality of this film and aids its director.
It was incredibly difficult to come by a copy of this film with English subtitles attached, so I only hope the version I watched was accurate and true to the original dialogue. However, I feel the experience would stay very much the same without any understanding of the spoken language. It's all told through visuals and body-language which is likely why Bong Joon-ho's work is so widely respected by most audiences.
Verdict; I truly believe that anyone studying film, or looking to work in the industry, should take a look at the work of Joon-ho, if only to gain more of an understanding of how stories can be told not just through words, but through movement and emotion. While Barking Dogs Never Bite is a simple concept, it's captured beautifully through visuals.
Puhran Dah Suh Uigeh (Barking Dogs Never Bite), 8/10.
An idle part-time college lector is annoyed by the yapping sound of a near-by dog. He decides to take drastic action.
Bong Joon-ho is a critically-acclaimed, visionary director who has created some of cinema's finest moments; be it cinematography, editing or storytelling, he has made a name for himself and is most definitely one to look out for. But, what kickstarted this successful career? A little film called Puhran Dah Suh Uigeh, translated as Barking Dogs Never Bite. The question is, how good is it?
The answer; very good. Even though the story seems unadorned, this is an incredibly intricate experience, featuring compelling visuals, brilliant performances, smart editing and the foundation of Joon-ho's unique staging technique. He allows actors to perform with their body, eyes and hands, as a way of attracting the viewers attention, further propelling the story forward. This can be seen in the scene where the Janitor (Hie-Bong Byeon) is telling the tale of Boiler Kim in the apartment complex basement. Ensemble staging becomes a great part of Joon-ho's films, especially in Memories of Murder, but this is where it started. The performances from Sung-jae Lee and Doona Bae are satisfyingly entertaining, and although never branching out to anything more dynamic, they both complement each other well and keep the film running trippingly.
Original music by Sung-woo Jo is strangely fitting and enjoyable, being a well- developed framework that sounds simplistic yet never venturing too far as to distract the viewer.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, editing is a huge part of any film, and so should be treated with absolute care. I imagine Joon-ho had a watchful eye over Eun Soo Lee in the editing process. There are moments where it's sharp and fast-paced and others slow and steady, it all depends on the pace and rhythm of the scene. It's also hard to place the genre of this film, it's sold as a dark comedy, but here and there are drops of horror/thriller themes, which really adds to the originality of this film and aids its director.
It was incredibly difficult to come by a copy of this film with English subtitles attached, so I only hope the version I watched was accurate and true to the original dialogue. However, I feel the experience would stay very much the same without any understanding of the spoken language. It's all told through visuals and body-language which is likely why Bong Joon-ho's work is so widely respected by most audiences.
Verdict; I truly believe that anyone studying film, or looking to work in the industry, should take a look at the work of Joon-ho, if only to gain more of an understanding of how stories can be told not just through words, but through movement and emotion. While Barking Dogs Never Bite is a simple concept, it's captured beautifully through visuals.
Puhran Dah Suh Uigeh (Barking Dogs Never Bite), 8/10.
Lots of messages, lackluster plot
gbill-7487714 January 2021
There is a trove of criticisms of life in Korea embedded in this film, which was the first from director Bong Joon-ho:
I love some of things he was aiming for, many of which are clear precursors to his later films, but unfortunately, the messages here are wrapped up in a story that's pretty lackluster. A man in a loveless marriage is trying to get a job as a professor and takes out some of his frustrations on the dogs in his apartment complex whose barking irritates him. A janitor in the complex secretly kidnaps dogs to stew them up and eat them. A couple of young women see one of the dogs killed and try to do something about it. It's all kind of blah, which maybe was also part of the point, but it didn't make for compelling viewing to me, particularly as the pace was on the slow side.
- The bribery of professors needed to get a positon at a university.
- The corruption and the use of cheap materials in the construction boom of the late 1980's.
- How the dogs of the affluent live better than many people.
- How worthless a graduate degree in the humanities is.
- How no one in Korea follows the rules.
- How clouds of billowing insecticide are sprayed in a public area for "pest control."
- How at great risk to herself, a bank teller is lauded for taking on an armed robber, rather than rewarded for just doing her job.
- A homeless guy living in a basement who is happy to go to prison, where he'll get regular meals.
- A woman begging for money on public transportation with her small child strapped to her back.
- A woman let go from her job of eleven years because she's gotten pregnant.
I love some of things he was aiming for, many of which are clear precursors to his later films, but unfortunately, the messages here are wrapped up in a story that's pretty lackluster. A man in a loveless marriage is trying to get a job as a professor and takes out some of his frustrations on the dogs in his apartment complex whose barking irritates him. A janitor in the complex secretly kidnaps dogs to stew them up and eat them. A couple of young women see one of the dogs killed and try to do something about it. It's all kind of blah, which maybe was also part of the point, but it didn't make for compelling viewing to me, particularly as the pace was on the slow side.
Solid directional debut
FilmMining10114 June 2023
Reviewed @Filmmining101
Lovers of the Bong Joon-ho's (now) distinct style will find plenty to love in his directional debut, "Barking Dogs Never Bite" (2000). While the beloved South Korean filmmaker has indulged us into more socially conscious stories supported by sharp commentary around the working and human ethics which bound the film's world, "Barking Dogs Never Bite" is the first step towards an evolutionary scale of artistry that will attract moviegoers around the world for years to come.
Starting his career with a less ambitious (for the lack of a better term) story, the movie features all his known trademarks you would have come to expect (e.g., imposing architecture, isolated main characters, layered storytelling). Dressed heartily with black humor, this comedy centered around missing dogs in a massive apartment complex has reflective undertones about a society that neglects its citizens (before they do it themselves first). Dogs, used as a symbol of status, currency and supply even between the lower socio-economic individuals seem to be having a better life than their owners live in a poetic sense of irony.
Struggling to make means end and lacking a job, our "hero", a dubious and passive academic is in an abusive relationship with his pregnant wife, hates dogs and has no money to buy out his promotion to professor. This protagonist becomes the key player in a tale of theft, misunderstandings and social allegory which the West rarely offers. Typically in a Joon-ho flick, several elements are usually metaphors for the cast's state of mind and the story's progression: cigarettes breaks and dogs represent freedom in a world that relies on self catered interactions to move forward. Bae Donna's character is also stuck in a thankless position of building management conjuring an interesting dynamic with Sung-Jae Lee's pair-less academic and complementing the same coin from a different side.
A master at blending genres with extreme efficiency, Joon-ho manages to generate suspense from the simplest of circumstances; an account of Boiler Kim's (who represents the working and honorable class of South Korea) tragedy feels like something that John Carpenter would direct, echoing similar sentiments in Joon-ho's own Oscar winning "Parasite" (2019) nineteen years later. When the final resolution comes in the complex parable of human relationships, Bong-ho's script keeps the audience guessing on whether this will end in tears or laughs simultaneously making it clear where he and his actors stand. Occasionally it does feel smaller in scale and less engulfing in its thematic presentation than the rest of his iconic filmography with with frequent tonal shifts and a not so likeable main character, especially for those who like dogs. But it is the birth of one of the most important voices in cinema which three years later will give us the masterpiece that "Memories of Murder" is (2003).
Lovers of the Bong Joon-ho's (now) distinct style will find plenty to love in his directional debut, "Barking Dogs Never Bite" (2000). While the beloved South Korean filmmaker has indulged us into more socially conscious stories supported by sharp commentary around the working and human ethics which bound the film's world, "Barking Dogs Never Bite" is the first step towards an evolutionary scale of artistry that will attract moviegoers around the world for years to come.
Starting his career with a less ambitious (for the lack of a better term) story, the movie features all his known trademarks you would have come to expect (e.g., imposing architecture, isolated main characters, layered storytelling). Dressed heartily with black humor, this comedy centered around missing dogs in a massive apartment complex has reflective undertones about a society that neglects its citizens (before they do it themselves first). Dogs, used as a symbol of status, currency and supply even between the lower socio-economic individuals seem to be having a better life than their owners live in a poetic sense of irony.
Struggling to make means end and lacking a job, our "hero", a dubious and passive academic is in an abusive relationship with his pregnant wife, hates dogs and has no money to buy out his promotion to professor. This protagonist becomes the key player in a tale of theft, misunderstandings and social allegory which the West rarely offers. Typically in a Joon-ho flick, several elements are usually metaphors for the cast's state of mind and the story's progression: cigarettes breaks and dogs represent freedom in a world that relies on self catered interactions to move forward. Bae Donna's character is also stuck in a thankless position of building management conjuring an interesting dynamic with Sung-Jae Lee's pair-less academic and complementing the same coin from a different side.
A master at blending genres with extreme efficiency, Joon-ho manages to generate suspense from the simplest of circumstances; an account of Boiler Kim's (who represents the working and honorable class of South Korea) tragedy feels like something that John Carpenter would direct, echoing similar sentiments in Joon-ho's own Oscar winning "Parasite" (2019) nineteen years later. When the final resolution comes in the complex parable of human relationships, Bong-ho's script keeps the audience guessing on whether this will end in tears or laughs simultaneously making it clear where he and his actors stand. Occasionally it does feel smaller in scale and less engulfing in its thematic presentation than the rest of his iconic filmography with with frequent tonal shifts and a not so likeable main character, especially for those who like dogs. But it is the birth of one of the most important voices in cinema which three years later will give us the masterpiece that "Memories of Murder" is (2003).
Funny Black Comedy But Some Queasy Bits About Dog Cruelty
3xHCCH24 September 2009
This is the first full length Korean movie I have seen. My wife has recently been bitten by the Korean telenovela craze and I would often see her watching "Boys Over Flowers," "Only You" or currently "East of Eden". But I did not really care too much to spend time on these shows. However, when I learned that there will be a Korean Film Festival at the Shangri-La Mall this week, I decided this would be the ideal way to introduce myself to that country's films.
The movie I caught is had the curious title of "Barking Dogs Don't Bite." The action already begins even before the opening titles. A hen-pecked out-of-work Humanities professor-wannabe who was so annoyed with a very noisy dog of a neighbor. He got so fed up that one day, he decided to get rid of it. From there, this funny black comedy of errors unfolds. Somewhere along the way, his path intersects with that of a bored but kind-hearted bookkeeper who witnessed his crime.
There was a lot of light humor regarding the pathetic life situation of the male and female lead characters. There was a joke about a survey about ideal husbands where Humanities grad students ranked 50, even below masons. There was scene where the exasperated husband ingeniously uses toilet paper to settle a bet with his overbearing wife. There was also several scenes showing the interaction of the bookkeeper and her chubby best friend which were quite hilarious.
There was however a lot of dark humor as this movie dealt a good deal about killing dogs! There were scenes which were definitely uncomfortable to watch as dogs were seen being maltreated. I'm sure the Western audience would protest about scenes where the dogs were seen being prepared to be cooked! If you are a staunch dog-lover, then this movie is not for you. I do hope that among the Korean words in the closing there is a statement that says that no dogs were harmed in the filming of this motion picture.
The movie I caught is had the curious title of "Barking Dogs Don't Bite." The action already begins even before the opening titles. A hen-pecked out-of-work Humanities professor-wannabe who was so annoyed with a very noisy dog of a neighbor. He got so fed up that one day, he decided to get rid of it. From there, this funny black comedy of errors unfolds. Somewhere along the way, his path intersects with that of a bored but kind-hearted bookkeeper who witnessed his crime.
There was a lot of light humor regarding the pathetic life situation of the male and female lead characters. There was a joke about a survey about ideal husbands where Humanities grad students ranked 50, even below masons. There was scene where the exasperated husband ingeniously uses toilet paper to settle a bet with his overbearing wife. There was also several scenes showing the interaction of the bookkeeper and her chubby best friend which were quite hilarious.
There was however a lot of dark humor as this movie dealt a good deal about killing dogs! There were scenes which were definitely uncomfortable to watch as dogs were seen being maltreated. I'm sure the Western audience would protest about scenes where the dogs were seen being prepared to be cooked! If you are a staunch dog-lover, then this movie is not for you. I do hope that among the Korean words in the closing there is a statement that says that no dogs were harmed in the filming of this motion picture.
Indie Filmmaking at its Best - Bong Joon Ho's Understated Gem
ajr936 December 2015
I'm leaving this review to hopefully attract even the smallest bit of attention to this incredible film, that is sadly so hidden to mainstream and fringe film audiences alike. I believe Bong Joon Ho is one of the greatest modern filmmakers, who has gained a strong following due to films such as Memories of Murder (2003): a bleak and haunting serial-killer masterwork, The Host (2006): a comic and gripping creature feature, Mother (2009): an unexpected and layered murder mystery, and Snowpiercer (2013): a breathtaking Orwellian Sci-Fi tour de force based on a French graphic novel. If you are new to the world of Bong Joon Ho, I highly recommend all of these works. However his debut film, Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), is a much lesser-known work of his, but despite its lower budget and smaller scale, I believe it to be one of his finest creations.
Danny Boyle once said: "I think your first film is always your best film. Always. It may not be your most successful or your technically most accomplished, whatever. It is your best film in a way because you never, ever get close to that feeling of not knowing what you're doing again. And that feeling of not knowing what you're doing is an amazing place to be. If you can cope with it and not panic, it's amazing. It's guesswork, inventiveness and freshness that you never get again." I feel that this quote summarizes why Barking Dogs Never Bite is such an amazing film. It was Bong's passion project, and even though he lacked the experience and guidance that makes his later works so great, he had a nervous and adventurous tenacity that couldn't be replicated in the future. I definitely believe this to be Bong Joon Ho's most personal film, and one that analyzes the interactions between characters. I won't waste time discussing specific plot points or characters/character actions; that's the film's job. What I do want to share are the subtle themes included throughout the film that have resonated with me.
Probably the most prevalent theme throughout the film is chasing one's dreams...or at least what one believes to be one's dreams. Yun-ju ultimately wishes to gain employment as a college professor, and is determined to do whatever is necessary to achieve this goal. But is this surely what he wants, or is it just what he thinks he wants? How do we even know what we want in life is what we truly want? It's not like we have achieved that goal to know if it is actually what we were expecting it to be. It is common to have a goal in life in which, once achieved, doesn't bring as much satisfaction as it was originally speculated to bring. Or it even may end up being something that you didn't want at all. The opening wilderness and closing curtain shots of this film, in relation to how they tie into the theme of achieving falsely desired goals is flawless filmmaking. Hyeon-nam has a similar experience with achieving desired goals. This film has several set pieces that play off of one another like a domino effect, which usually peaks my interest when accomplished properly (as it was here). There are also one or two segments of the film that have very little to no relation to the overarching story, but were executed incredibly. Specifically, one scene where the janitor tells a story about the building's boiler room, which introduces such a sudden change of tone, but is handled so skillfully. I really appreciate when directors are able to break the conventions of filmmaking like so, while still making it work to their benefit. This movie is also absolutely hilarious (probably Bong's most comedic), but the humor is very dark. That being said, there are so many witty, honest, humane, and even sadistic moments that made me laugh and smirk.
There are a few warnings that I would like to share. First off, there are a few scenes that depict animal cruelty and canine consumption (I'm a dog lover, so don't think that just because you love dogs you won't be able to watch this movie). However, literally the first thing you see when watching this film is text that states "No animals were harmed in making this film." You have to remember that at the end of the day, you're watching a movie, and the events depicted on screen are not real. On the other hand, Bong Joon Ho is also portraying how animals (specifically dogs) are viewed and treated in South Korea. The consumption of dog is not too uncommon, and that's a cold hard fact that you'll have to stomach (pun intended), not only while watching this film, but throughout life in general. In short, Bong Joon Ho depicts lifestyles that actually exist, despite seeming uncommon and harsh to other cultures. Secondly, I acknowledge that this film might not be for everyone. This is a small scale and personal dark comedy about human interactions. The pacing is slow, there is no action, and I wouldn't use "pure entertainment" as a term to define this film. But if you have patience and are able to give Bong Joon Ho a chance to guide you through his quirky little story, I believe this film can provide unique gratification. It may be hard to get your hands on a copy, but I highly suggest going through the effort to do so. This is a true gift to cinema, even though it's hidden so far beneath all the others that only very few have uncovered it.
If you enjoyed this film and want to see which others I recommend, or you'd like to see my taste of films to decide if this film would be worth watching for you, feel free to check out this list: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls052767730/
Danny Boyle once said: "I think your first film is always your best film. Always. It may not be your most successful or your technically most accomplished, whatever. It is your best film in a way because you never, ever get close to that feeling of not knowing what you're doing again. And that feeling of not knowing what you're doing is an amazing place to be. If you can cope with it and not panic, it's amazing. It's guesswork, inventiveness and freshness that you never get again." I feel that this quote summarizes why Barking Dogs Never Bite is such an amazing film. It was Bong's passion project, and even though he lacked the experience and guidance that makes his later works so great, he had a nervous and adventurous tenacity that couldn't be replicated in the future. I definitely believe this to be Bong Joon Ho's most personal film, and one that analyzes the interactions between characters. I won't waste time discussing specific plot points or characters/character actions; that's the film's job. What I do want to share are the subtle themes included throughout the film that have resonated with me.
Probably the most prevalent theme throughout the film is chasing one's dreams...or at least what one believes to be one's dreams. Yun-ju ultimately wishes to gain employment as a college professor, and is determined to do whatever is necessary to achieve this goal. But is this surely what he wants, or is it just what he thinks he wants? How do we even know what we want in life is what we truly want? It's not like we have achieved that goal to know if it is actually what we were expecting it to be. It is common to have a goal in life in which, once achieved, doesn't bring as much satisfaction as it was originally speculated to bring. Or it even may end up being something that you didn't want at all. The opening wilderness and closing curtain shots of this film, in relation to how they tie into the theme of achieving falsely desired goals is flawless filmmaking. Hyeon-nam has a similar experience with achieving desired goals. This film has several set pieces that play off of one another like a domino effect, which usually peaks my interest when accomplished properly (as it was here). There are also one or two segments of the film that have very little to no relation to the overarching story, but were executed incredibly. Specifically, one scene where the janitor tells a story about the building's boiler room, which introduces such a sudden change of tone, but is handled so skillfully. I really appreciate when directors are able to break the conventions of filmmaking like so, while still making it work to their benefit. This movie is also absolutely hilarious (probably Bong's most comedic), but the humor is very dark. That being said, there are so many witty, honest, humane, and even sadistic moments that made me laugh and smirk.
There are a few warnings that I would like to share. First off, there are a few scenes that depict animal cruelty and canine consumption (I'm a dog lover, so don't think that just because you love dogs you won't be able to watch this movie). However, literally the first thing you see when watching this film is text that states "No animals were harmed in making this film." You have to remember that at the end of the day, you're watching a movie, and the events depicted on screen are not real. On the other hand, Bong Joon Ho is also portraying how animals (specifically dogs) are viewed and treated in South Korea. The consumption of dog is not too uncommon, and that's a cold hard fact that you'll have to stomach (pun intended), not only while watching this film, but throughout life in general. In short, Bong Joon Ho depicts lifestyles that actually exist, despite seeming uncommon and harsh to other cultures. Secondly, I acknowledge that this film might not be for everyone. This is a small scale and personal dark comedy about human interactions. The pacing is slow, there is no action, and I wouldn't use "pure entertainment" as a term to define this film. But if you have patience and are able to give Bong Joon Ho a chance to guide you through his quirky little story, I believe this film can provide unique gratification. It may be hard to get your hands on a copy, but I highly suggest going through the effort to do so. This is a true gift to cinema, even though it's hidden so far beneath all the others that only very few have uncovered it.
If you enjoyed this film and want to see which others I recommend, or you'd like to see my taste of films to decide if this film would be worth watching for you, feel free to check out this list: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls052767730/
Very mediocre
mister_bateman17 June 2020
I didn't find this movie all too funny. And not because I got offended by the "animal cruelty" so many people seem to cry about, it's just kind of boring. (To be fair: although there is a "no animals were harmed" disclaimer, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the dogs were at least made uncomfortable during the filming, it does look very realistic and well, insert Asian cliché here...)
Anyway, there are a few humorous moments but not enough to keep me really interested and entertained.
I almost skipped this one because of the comments above...
bross33 November 2001
and that would have been a real shame. This movie was thoroughly enjoyable. I think this would make an excellent introduction to Korean cinema because it was MY introduction to korean cinema and I didn't find it inaccessible in any way.
It was not as gruesome or hard to stomach as I was expecting, nor was it really as dark as mentioned above. If you could sit through Fargo, you could certainly sit through and really enjoy this film.
To say it does not have many jokes misses the point, because some of the situations that characters find themselves are quite hilarious--especially the chase scenes. The acting and directing are excellent. If you get a chance to catch "Barking Dogs Never Bite" don't miss it.
It was not as gruesome or hard to stomach as I was expecting, nor was it really as dark as mentioned above. If you could sit through Fargo, you could certainly sit through and really enjoy this film.
To say it does not have many jokes misses the point, because some of the situations that characters find themselves are quite hilarious--especially the chase scenes. The acting and directing are excellent. If you get a chance to catch "Barking Dogs Never Bite" don't miss it.
Very relatable
debashish-8993428 February 2021
Bong Joon-ho's mordant debut feature retains a tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and poker-faced jocularity in its core
lasttimeisaw26 August 2018
The disclaimer in the opening reassures us that no dogs are abused in the making of South Korean cinema kingpin Bong Joon-ho's mordant debut feature, however, in second-guessing, it also bears out Bong's tendency of tackling shocking subject matters as we are neither spared with the simulacrum of cute dogs (a Shih Tzu and a chihuahua, respectively) being hung by a rope or dropped dead from the roof of a building, nor a spine-tingling verbalized hearsay that paints a grisly picture in one's mind, told by Byun Hee-bong, a familiar face among Bong's filmography.
Yet for all intents and purposes, BARKING DOGS NEVER BITE retains a tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and poker-faced jocularity in its core. Ko Yun-ju (Lee Sung-jae) is a university docent who aspires for a professor position to secure his livelihood and earn respect from his henpecking pregnant wife Eun-sil (Kim Ho-jung), a barking dog dwelling in his cookie-cutter apartment building becomes his latest pet peeve, and he has (little) qualms to ascertain the yelping stops, although mistaken identify is par for the course and brings him in a close cat-and-mouse chase (executed with neat exuberance) with Park Hyun-nam (Doona), a valiant bookkeeper inadvertently witnesses his horrible act,
Granted, Yun-ju's casual animal cruelty can be construed as a desperate outlet for a shiftless man's smothered self-regard, and Bong's piquant societal critique of a young generation disoriented by acedia finds a contrasting light in Hyun-nam, who pulls her back into rescuing a kidnapped dog (with Bong's fantastical flourish accentuating her derring-do on the rooftop) which belongs to Eun-sil, and whose wet-behind-her-ear carriage induces a therapeutic affinity that gingers up Yun-ju's impasse and accelerates his mounting guilt, but Bong has no stomach for tacky romance, their paralleled paths only converge tentatively before life catches them up in their separated, designated routes. Under a semblance of inscrutability, the ending augurs well for Bong's directorial voyage, tempering its earthbound conformity with a soupçon of arch resignation, barking dogs might never bite, but Bong proves to be a quieter but more mischievous one with acumen of hitting some raw nerves when he sees fit.
Granted, Yun-ju's casual animal cruelty can be construed as a desperate outlet for a shiftless man's smothered self-regard, and Bong's piquant societal critique of a young generation disoriented by acedia finds a contrasting light in Hyun-nam, who pulls her back into rescuing a kidnapped dog (with Bong's fantastical flourish accentuating her derring-do on the rooftop) which belongs to Eun-sil, and whose wet-behind-her-ear carriage induces a therapeutic affinity that gingers up Yun-ju's impasse and accelerates his mounting guilt, but Bong has no stomach for tacky romance, their paralleled paths only converge tentatively before life catches them up in their separated, designated routes. Under a semblance of inscrutability, the ending augurs well for Bong's directorial voyage, tempering its earthbound conformity with a soupçon of arch resignation, barking dogs might never bite, but Bong proves to be a quieter but more mischievous one with acumen of hitting some raw nerves when he sees fit.
A ten plus comedy noir about zero sum lives
theorbys24 August 2001
This is something of a rarity, a indie Korean film. It's also Joon-ho Bong's directorial debut. It's brilliant. Slow, but impeccably paced and broadly intermixed with multiple levels of wonderful comedy, acting, atmosphere (a kind of existential (and cement) wasteland), and directing. Be warned. Pet lovers are going to be shocked, and maybe outraged. But really, don't take this too literally, Joon-ho Bong knows he is playing with your sensibilities and he knows that you know it (or you should know it by now, if you have been watching film, tv, and advertising for your entire life). This is real cinematic virtuosity.
The promotion for this film compared it to American Beauty and that was a somewhat surprising but very apt comparison. American Beauty would be a fine double bill with this. But, if you have not seen any other Korean films you should give some a try. I saw this as part of a festival with JSA (Joint Security Area), The Isle and some others, but those two were very good and would also be good for a double bill. A little farther afield might be Tsai Ming Liang's the HOLE, or even farther, (and certainly not for the fainthearted) Go Go Second Time Virgin by Kosi Wakamatsu. Both intense looks at life in barren modern times and barren apartment complexes.
The promotion for this film compared it to American Beauty and that was a somewhat surprising but very apt comparison. American Beauty would be a fine double bill with this. But, if you have not seen any other Korean films you should give some a try. I saw this as part of a festival with JSA (Joint Security Area), The Isle and some others, but those two were very good and would also be good for a double bill. A little farther afield might be Tsai Ming Liang's the HOLE, or even farther, (and certainly not for the fainthearted) Go Go Second Time Virgin by Kosi Wakamatsu. Both intense looks at life in barren modern times and barren apartment complexes.
I'm going to the dogs.
lastliberal3 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Writer and director Joon-ho Bong (The Host, Mother) went for black humor in his directorial debut.
Who among us, even those who own dogs, have not been upset at a yapping dog? Well, Yun-ju (Sung-jae Lee) is stressed over his job and his pregnant wife, and just can't stand a yapping neighbor.
This really get hilarious as Yun-ju is killing dogs, the maintenance man is eating them, and guess what his wife brings home? Meanwhile, Hyeon-nam (Doona Bae - Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, The Host) is about to lose her job because she spends so much time helping others.
The missing dogs connect Yun-Ju and Hyeon-nam. Along the way, both get what they want, or do they?
Who among us, even those who own dogs, have not been upset at a yapping dog? Well, Yun-ju (Sung-jae Lee) is stressed over his job and his pregnant wife, and just can't stand a yapping neighbor.
This really get hilarious as Yun-ju is killing dogs, the maintenance man is eating them, and guess what his wife brings home? Meanwhile, Hyeon-nam (Doona Bae - Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, The Host) is about to lose her job because she spends so much time helping others.
The missing dogs connect Yun-Ju and Hyeon-nam. Along the way, both get what they want, or do they?
Is this a really comedy movie!!
Misss2512 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Truly Speaking I didn't laugh the whole time not even for a second .What's all about?
It's all about dogs which are going on missing in the locality .A guy captivates a dog as it was barking a lot. He kept the dog in the closet and suddenly it went missing. The guy also stole an old lady dog because of its barking and later throw it out of terris. A girl who was standing in the front building saw all this happening. So, she started running behind him and lost him half of the way. She showed the dead body of the dog to its owner, the old lady. She became so sad that she went to the same place again and again to give food to her dog and later she died with grief for the dog.
The guy returned home and found her wife holding a dog, he asked her wife to let it go or gave it to her father, but she really didn't want to do that as she genuinely loved it. Once he took the dog for walking and lost it in the park, he tried to search it but he couldn't. So,he went to maintenance girl (the girl who saw her throwing the dog) for stumping in the missing posters. She and he looked for the dog all night but still couldn't find.
After a few days the maintenance girl saw the security guard with a dog which he was to kill. Seeing no other way, she ran to that place and saved the dog from that man. Later the security guard is arrested with the charges of stealing and killing dogs
As he killed the old lady's dog and she died because of him, he started thinking himself guilty and tried to confess it to the maintenance girl but the she didn't really get what he was trying to say as he was drunk,sad because of losing job.
This is how the movie ends!!
This isn't a comedy movie then what it is! What message the director wants to convey through this movie, I really dont know:)
Maybe It's'' Tit For Tat'' like he stole two dogs and someone stole his. He didn't understand or tried to understand the dog owner's feelings but when it comes to his wife, he tried heart and soul to find it.
It's all about dogs which are going on missing in the locality .A guy captivates a dog as it was barking a lot. He kept the dog in the closet and suddenly it went missing. The guy also stole an old lady dog because of its barking and later throw it out of terris. A girl who was standing in the front building saw all this happening. So, she started running behind him and lost him half of the way. She showed the dead body of the dog to its owner, the old lady. She became so sad that she went to the same place again and again to give food to her dog and later she died with grief for the dog.
The guy returned home and found her wife holding a dog, he asked her wife to let it go or gave it to her father, but she really didn't want to do that as she genuinely loved it. Once he took the dog for walking and lost it in the park, he tried to search it but he couldn't. So,he went to maintenance girl (the girl who saw her throwing the dog) for stumping in the missing posters. She and he looked for the dog all night but still couldn't find.
After a few days the maintenance girl saw the security guard with a dog which he was to kill. Seeing no other way, she ran to that place and saved the dog from that man. Later the security guard is arrested with the charges of stealing and killing dogs
As he killed the old lady's dog and she died because of him, he started thinking himself guilty and tried to confess it to the maintenance girl but the she didn't really get what he was trying to say as he was drunk,sad because of losing job.
This is how the movie ends!!
This isn't a comedy movie then what it is! What message the director wants to convey through this movie, I really dont know:)
Maybe It's'' Tit For Tat'' like he stole two dogs and someone stole his. He didn't understand or tried to understand the dog owner's feelings but when it comes to his wife, he tried heart and soul to find it.
watch
drgrozozo31 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
well, i'm another one that got this deep into past following trail of masterful joon-ho bong :) so, what can i tell you about this movie. first, i wouldn't say this is exactly a comedy, so i advise you not to approach it as such :) yes, there are few great laughs, but directing gives it profound look that makes us search deeper. that wonderful way of story-telling is the major strength of this movie, much more than the story itself i would say. every character in this movie has his own little world, and gets his own attention and time from the director.
***spoiler***
so the basic plot revolves around quiet part-time professor frustrated by his situation. living with pregnant working wife he concentrates his anger toward neighborhood dog whose barking drives him mad. he captures the dog, unfortunately it's the wrong one and by the time professor finds that out, poor thing gets killed and eaten by janitor :) as he kidnaps and kills the right culprit he is seen and chased by local goodhearted girl, unfortunately she doesn't get to see his face. but as a twist next dog that's gone missing in brand new one professors wife bought and that professor himself looses in the park. girl helps him search for it...
so you see, story has it's moments, but in my opinion presentation gets the better of this movie. you'll learn how much annoying wife is indeed willing to sacrifice for her husband, what dreams inspire local girl to become a hero, how her overweight friend will readily fight for her, sad note that a scary maniac is really just a poor hungry man, and you'll witness a masterful storytelling by dog-eating janitor :)
***
and when the final curtain is literally drawn over, you'll get a feeling that events themselves weren't that special as much as relations between humans that participated them. this is a story about small circle of people that could be living anywhere in the world. directing is great and acting is nothing short of a brilliant. i think it deserves your time.
***spoiler***
so the basic plot revolves around quiet part-time professor frustrated by his situation. living with pregnant working wife he concentrates his anger toward neighborhood dog whose barking drives him mad. he captures the dog, unfortunately it's the wrong one and by the time professor finds that out, poor thing gets killed and eaten by janitor :) as he kidnaps and kills the right culprit he is seen and chased by local goodhearted girl, unfortunately she doesn't get to see his face. but as a twist next dog that's gone missing in brand new one professors wife bought and that professor himself looses in the park. girl helps him search for it...
so you see, story has it's moments, but in my opinion presentation gets the better of this movie. you'll learn how much annoying wife is indeed willing to sacrifice for her husband, what dreams inspire local girl to become a hero, how her overweight friend will readily fight for her, sad note that a scary maniac is really just a poor hungry man, and you'll witness a masterful storytelling by dog-eating janitor :)
***
and when the final curtain is literally drawn over, you'll get a feeling that events themselves weren't that special as much as relations between humans that participated them. this is a story about small circle of people that could be living anywhere in the world. directing is great and acting is nothing short of a brilliant. i think it deserves your time.
Dog lovers beware.
Pjtaylor-96-13804423 March 2021
Bong Joon Ho's first feature is a pseudo satirical black comedy centred on a sad lecturer who decides to take drastic action on a barking dog that's mildly annoying him as he wallows in his own self pity. Needless to say, 'Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000)' is unconcerned with giving us sympathetic characters to root for. Instead, it presents everyone amorally, regardless of their actions. This isn't a bad thing, but it means that you have to be willing to accept - and, in some ways, see past - each major character's flaws in order to remain invested in their journeys. For me, that isn't an issue. I can see how it would hamper some people's enjoyment of the piece, though, especially if they're expecting something more traditional. Another thing that will likely put people off is the movie's unflinching depictions of animal abuse; basically, dog lovers beware. The thing never feels especially cruel but it's certainly rather shocking when it comes to its treatment of its canine characters. It's perhaps important to state, as the flick does in its opening titles, that no animals were harmed during the production. Still, there's a known rule that when a character kills a dog, the audience will start to hate them; that's why such an act is usually reserved for villains (and not often seen, either). This picture asks you to root for a protagonist who has partaken in such behaviour. That's going to be a major put-off for a lot of people. However, having said all that, I ultimately like the movie quite a bit. It's an unconventional and unpredictable mix of genres with several surprisingly exciting set-pieces. It's engaging all the way through, although it does slow down considerably for its extended denouement. It's often quite funny in its own sort of way, too. It's a rock-solid start for a director who consistently presents genre-bending, audience-challenging fare. 7/10
A Fabulous Start To Bong Joon-Ho's Revered Filmmaking Career
CinemaClown9 July 2017
Cruel yet crazy, demented yet hilarious & dark yet lighthearted, Bong Joon-ho's directorial debut is a confidently crafted & deliriously witted start to his filmmaking career. Treating its subject matter in a bold yet funny fashion, giving every character their fair share of screen time, and rendered on the film canvas with passion & sincerity, it may not be as refined as his later works but it's still a fun & engaging sit for the most part.
Barking Dogs Never Bite
MartinTeller10 January 2012
All of Bong Joon-Ho's films are black comedies to some degree, but this (his first) leans the most towards comedy. It actually reminded me a bit of a lighter Ming-liang Tsai with its commentary of the corruption and decay of urban life. It's always a pleasure to see Bae Doo-na (of LINDA LINDA LINDA) and the film has some charming and quirky touches. I have a really hard time with animal cruelty, however, especially when used for humor. This and a few other mean-spirited elements were an obstacle for me. I suppose it's to Bong's credit that I ended up liking it anyway, but I can't say I loved it and I wouldn't watch it again. Worthwhile for Bae and some of the offbeat filmmaking flourishes, though.
If Slight, Still Very Satisfying
erahatch24 September 2006
It's possible that this dark comedy will slip from my memory before too long, but as I write this just having viewed the film (on home video), I have to say it made for an excellent viewing experience. It's rare to see a comedy in this day and age with such an offbeat sense of humor, let alone one that keeps viewers guessing so much as to where the plot will head next. There's also a lot of care put into the cinematography and editing of this film, adding some extra layers of satisfaction from a cinephilic perspective; this is one comedy that doesn't insult the viewer's intelligence, and need never be regarded as a guilty pleasure.
Specifically, the way this issue pinpoints its moment in time regarding Korean culture's evolving relationship with dogs is constantly mined for humor, but also provides moments of real insight and touching emotion.
I watched this film on the strength of director Bong Joon-ho's Memories of Murder, an excellent thriller with a deep mordant streak. If this previous film had to be nailed down to a genre, I'd call it a dark comedy -- albeit an extremely idiosyncratic one -- but there are effective splashes of the thriller and horror genres throughout, not to mention some nicely done surrealistic touches. All in all, these two films make me sorely regret missing Bong Joon-ho's "Host" at this year's Toronto film fest; I've added his name to my short list of Korean directors (the others being Park Chan-wook, Hong Sang-soo, and Kim Ki-duk) to follow closely.
Specifically, the way this issue pinpoints its moment in time regarding Korean culture's evolving relationship with dogs is constantly mined for humor, but also provides moments of real insight and touching emotion.
I watched this film on the strength of director Bong Joon-ho's Memories of Murder, an excellent thriller with a deep mordant streak. If this previous film had to be nailed down to a genre, I'd call it a dark comedy -- albeit an extremely idiosyncratic one -- but there are effective splashes of the thriller and horror genres throughout, not to mention some nicely done surrealistic touches. All in all, these two films make me sorely regret missing Bong Joon-ho's "Host" at this year's Toronto film fest; I've added his name to my short list of Korean directors (the others being Park Chan-wook, Hong Sang-soo, and Kim Ki-duk) to follow closely.
Not for dog lovers
roedyg9 July 2012
This is the only Korean film I have ever seen. I was expecting everything to be unfamiliar, but it felt very North American -- just dubbed into Korean. Oddly it reminded by of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing. There are cast of sharply defined, eccentric characters including a janitor who likes to make dog soup, a pregnant wife who imagines her pregnancy makes her queen of the universe. She commands, and her husband must obey. She is so rude and so full of herself! There is what amounts to a female sumo wrestler. There is an athletic tomboy who dreams of performing some heroic deed and going on TV. There is an elderly lady who prepares her chihuahua gourmet meals while she goes without.
The opening credits promise that no animal was harmed in the making of the movie. However, there is considerable violence against dogs that is completely convincing. Most dog lovers will not want to see this movie because these scenes are so shocking.
The movie would work better edited shorter. It drags somewhat at the end. It goes on and on.
The opening credits promise that no animal was harmed in the making of the movie. However, there is considerable violence against dogs that is completely convincing. Most dog lovers will not want to see this movie because these scenes are so shocking.
The movie would work better edited shorter. It drags somewhat at the end. It goes on and on.
A comic masterpiece (but dog lovers beware)
kerpan19 May 2003
Flandersui gae a/k/a Barking Dogs Never Bite (BONG Joon-ho, 2000)
Perhaps the funniest movies I've seen since "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". The first thing one sees in this film, before even the credits is the reassurance "No animals were harmed in making this film" -- and the warning is needed -- at least for dog lovers or overly-sensitive souls.
The movie tells the tale of a would-be professor (LEE Sung-jae), currently laid off until he can bribe his way into a permanent appointment, who grows increasingly fed up about yippy dogs in his rather down-scale apartment mega-complex. He decides to "do something about this" -- which leads to a chain of increasingly disastrous events. THEN, his soon-to-deliver spouse buys a poodle of her own -- which he proceeds to lose. While desperately searching for his wife's dog, he runs across a helper (BAE Doo-na) -- who is looking for the culprit who has caused other neighborhood dogs to disappear.
Despite my vast affection for dogs, the "robust" dog-related humor of this film was nonetheless hilarious. The performances of both leads are first-rate (and I would rate BAE Doo-na's gifts as a physical comedian as being in the league of Lucille Ball). Even so, BYUN Hee-bong, a janitor with a very "special" affection for dogs (at least for one specific purpose), practically steals the show. Indeed, at one point he literally STOPS the show -- as he takes five or so minutes to recount (leisurely) the tale of a ghostly master boiler repairman.
The direction and cinematography are as superb as the comic acting and story and dialog. Surprisingly, the film ends on a morally uplifting (non-sappy, non-hackneyed) note -- as forgiveness is delivered with a lost shoe. If I gave ratings, this would get a 10+.
Perhaps the funniest movies I've seen since "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". The first thing one sees in this film, before even the credits is the reassurance "No animals were harmed in making this film" -- and the warning is needed -- at least for dog lovers or overly-sensitive souls.
The movie tells the tale of a would-be professor (LEE Sung-jae), currently laid off until he can bribe his way into a permanent appointment, who grows increasingly fed up about yippy dogs in his rather down-scale apartment mega-complex. He decides to "do something about this" -- which leads to a chain of increasingly disastrous events. THEN, his soon-to-deliver spouse buys a poodle of her own -- which he proceeds to lose. While desperately searching for his wife's dog, he runs across a helper (BAE Doo-na) -- who is looking for the culprit who has caused other neighborhood dogs to disappear.
Despite my vast affection for dogs, the "robust" dog-related humor of this film was nonetheless hilarious. The performances of both leads are first-rate (and I would rate BAE Doo-na's gifts as a physical comedian as being in the league of Lucille Ball). Even so, BYUN Hee-bong, a janitor with a very "special" affection for dogs (at least for one specific purpose), practically steals the show. Indeed, at one point he literally STOPS the show -- as he takes five or so minutes to recount (leisurely) the tale of a ghostly master boiler repairman.
The direction and cinematography are as superb as the comic acting and story and dialog. Surprisingly, the film ends on a morally uplifting (non-sappy, non-hackneyed) note -- as forgiveness is delivered with a lost shoe. If I gave ratings, this would get a 10+.
Bong Joon Ho's First Feature
truemythmedia9 March 2020
I am a huge fan of Bong Joon Ho ("Memories of Murder", "Parasite"). I thought this movie was decent, but I didn't love it nearly as much as (any of) his other films. I think my biggest hurdle I had to overcome with this film was that it finds humor in animal abuse, and I do not. This is a dark comedy, and I have to admit that from a filmmaking perspective it is well done, but my personal preferences kept me from enjoying this movie completely. That being said, if you can get over the hurdle of finding humor in animal abuse, there are a couple interesting interactions between characters that do come off as quite funny.
Delightfully eccentric black comedy
BrianThibodeau25 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
BARKING DOGS NEVER BITE (AKA: A Higher Animal) (2000).
Delightful black comedy with a signature role for Tube's Bae Doo-na as a plucky girl who witnesses a henpecked student throw a dog that annoyed him off the roof of a neighboring apartment building, and proceeds to hunt him down for the rest of the movie.
Things get funkier when the guy realizes he tossed the wrong animal! One memorable scene has crusader Bae, in her ubiquitous yellow windbreaker, chasing the villain across rooftops in slow motion, while in the background, hundreds of imagined onlookers, also in her trademark attire, cheer her on! Many may cringe at the apartment janitor with an affinity for dog meat, but the filmmakers wisely treat this as an everyday occurence - not some shock gross-out thing as most Westerners might be inclined to expect - and acknowledge it as part of the culture that the younger generation is not exactly comfortable with. The Korean DVD subtitles provide the title as A HIGHER ANIMAL. Perhaps by the time you read this, it will be listed in the alternate title section on the main page. I give it an 8.
Delightful black comedy with a signature role for Tube's Bae Doo-na as a plucky girl who witnesses a henpecked student throw a dog that annoyed him off the roof of a neighboring apartment building, and proceeds to hunt him down for the rest of the movie.
Things get funkier when the guy realizes he tossed the wrong animal! One memorable scene has crusader Bae, in her ubiquitous yellow windbreaker, chasing the villain across rooftops in slow motion, while in the background, hundreds of imagined onlookers, also in her trademark attire, cheer her on! Many may cringe at the apartment janitor with an affinity for dog meat, but the filmmakers wisely treat this as an everyday occurence - not some shock gross-out thing as most Westerners might be inclined to expect - and acknowledge it as part of the culture that the younger generation is not exactly comfortable with. The Korean DVD subtitles provide the title as A HIGHER ANIMAL. Perhaps by the time you read this, it will be listed in the alternate title section on the main page. I give it an 8.
Good movie
nicci19724 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
But why was it in the horror section on Hulu. Yes it was horrible what happened to the dogs (and how the main characters wife treated him); but it definitely wasn't a horror movie.
By the way, although it says there were no animals harmed in the making of this film - hanging them by their leash and dragging them had to hurt (or maybe I'm being too sensitive). Dog lovers - do not be fooled by the cute little dog on the front - this is not for you.
If movies were food, then this would be scrambled eggs...
paul_haakonsen20 April 2019
Oh Jesus Christ this movie was out there.
Granted I have a huge fascination with Asian cinema and definitely love South Korean movies quite a lot, so of course I jumped at the chance to watch "Barking Dogs Never Bite" (aka "Flandersui gae") when I stumbled upon by random chance in 2019 - a mere 19 years after it was initially released.
Given the high rating it had on IMDb, I was believing that I was in for a treat. Which I actually also was, but not a treat of the good kind. How this movie managed to score this high of a rating is simply beyond my comprehension. Because this movie was unfathomably slow paced and it had such a scrambled mess of a storyline that it was literally painful to bear witness to.
Sure, the movie had some good acting performances and Doona Bae really carried the movie quite well with her aloof performance. But wow, this movie was quite far from being entertaining. And the slow pacing of the storytelling just seemed to prolong the ordeal and suffering that is "Barking Dogs Never Bite".
Once the movie ended I was sitting dumbfounded on the couch thinking to myself "was that really it?" I was so disillusioned with the outcome of this movie and had expected something quite else frankly, given the high rating the movie had scored here on IMDb.
And the movie starts out by proclaiming "no animals were hurt during the filming of the movie". Right! Well just how do you explain the two scenes where dogs were suspended into the air by the leash around their neck. Suffocating of an animal right there. No animals were hurt... yeah right!
I have watched it to the end, so I can now check it off the list, and I can in all honesty say that I am never returning to watch this movie a second time.
Granted I have a huge fascination with Asian cinema and definitely love South Korean movies quite a lot, so of course I jumped at the chance to watch "Barking Dogs Never Bite" (aka "Flandersui gae") when I stumbled upon by random chance in 2019 - a mere 19 years after it was initially released.
Given the high rating it had on IMDb, I was believing that I was in for a treat. Which I actually also was, but not a treat of the good kind. How this movie managed to score this high of a rating is simply beyond my comprehension. Because this movie was unfathomably slow paced and it had such a scrambled mess of a storyline that it was literally painful to bear witness to.
Sure, the movie had some good acting performances and Doona Bae really carried the movie quite well with her aloof performance. But wow, this movie was quite far from being entertaining. And the slow pacing of the storytelling just seemed to prolong the ordeal and suffering that is "Barking Dogs Never Bite".
Once the movie ended I was sitting dumbfounded on the couch thinking to myself "was that really it?" I was so disillusioned with the outcome of this movie and had expected something quite else frankly, given the high rating the movie had scored here on IMDb.
And the movie starts out by proclaiming "no animals were hurt during the filming of the movie". Right! Well just how do you explain the two scenes where dogs were suspended into the air by the leash around their neck. Suffocating of an animal right there. No animals were hurt... yeah right!
I have watched it to the end, so I can now check it off the list, and I can in all honesty say that I am never returning to watch this movie a second time.
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