Isle of Dogs

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Following only three tough weeks in the year 2025, some might be craving a well-deserved respite. With its stunning stop-motion animation and intriguing, captivating storyline, Wes Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs” offers an ideal opportunity for just that escape — and it will be available on Hulu starting February 1.

In a way that might initially appear as just another reflection of our troubled world with themes like nationalism, xenophobia, and power struggles, Isle of Dogs might seem quite bleak. However, only Wes Anderson has the unique ability to transform such heavy and intricate subjects into a delightful and emotionally resonant narrative that can be likened to the comforting warmth of chicken soup. Set in the futuristic Japanese city of Megasaki, the film unfolds as all dogs are exiled to an island called Trash Island following the tyrannical decree of Mayor Kobayashi. Yet, Atari, the mayor’s ward, feels compassion for these canine outcasts and riskily embarks on a journey to find his lost dog companion on this now-named Isle of Dogs. As political unrest escalates on Megasaki’s mainland due to the mayor’s contentious decisions, Atari forms bonds with the dogs, gradually gaining their trust, and ultimately promising to bring them all back home safely while turbulence brews in the city.

Remarkably, Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs already shines with its intricate narrative, but it truly sets itself apart with stunning stop-motion visuals. Thousands of meticulously crafted puppets were employed, and real sets were used to establish the film’s unique aesthetic — a testament to dedication and passion that saw numerous sculptors working tirelessly for months on end. Computer-generated effects were scarcely seen, mainly used to replicate spectators or construct green screens. Lastly, it’s important to note the painstaking process of stop-motion animation, known for its difficulty and time consumption.

The film “Isle of Dogs” features an illustrious cast and an exceptional soundtrack. Notable names like Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Greta Gerwig, and Yoko Ono provided their voices for the movie, with Edward Norton taking on the lead role. The music was composed by Alexandre Desplat, who has previously collaborated with Anderson on his other stop-motion projects such as “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. Given the abundance of artistic and creative talent involved, it’s no surprise that “Isle of Dogs” turned out to be an enduring classic.

‘Isle of Dogs’ Isn’t a Perfect Film, but It Is a Great One

A remarkable film isn’t defined by its flawlessness, but instead, its capacity to provoke profound and multi-layered discussions long after it has been released. While Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs has captivated most viewers with its unique charm, the movie has also received some critique. Critics noted that the film seems to continue the perpetuation of Orientalist stereotypes in its visual and narrative elements. They argue that the movie merges popular Japan-related symbols such as haikus, cherry blossoms, sumo wrestling, taiko drums, and even a mushroom cloud into an indistinct, homogeneous backdrop. The problem lies in portraying Japan and Eastern Asia merely as a visual aesthetic, a static tableau of iconic landmarks, instead of a vibrant, dynamic, and ever-evolving culture.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must say that while some critics may have pointed out flaws in the movie “Isle of Dogs”, it didn’t stop them from acknowledging its overall brilliance. In fact, they seemed to appreciate it even more because of its imperfections, much like how art often becomes more intriguing when it’s not perfect. With a staggering 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and countless rave reviews, this film continues to captivate audiences. As the esteemed composer Ryuichi Sakamoto put it so eloquently, “art is art precisely because of its imperfections.

I find the movie impressively made, with an aesthetically pleasing design that I appreciate. However, as a Japanese individual, it feels somewhat repetitive to me. In the past, Hollywood movies have often portrayed Asians, be they Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese, in a stereotypical and inaccurate manner.

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2025-01-18 00:32