Review: Red Dog: True story of a dog who captured the hearts of a town

If this Australian movie is on DVD near you, it comes highly recommended, but have a big box of tissues nearby. You will need them!

While I am not a big fan of Australian movies, I gave Red Dog a chance, and am so glad that I did. The movie is based on a true story of a Kelpie/cattle dog cross (sometimes called a Red Kelpie) who lived from 1971 until November 21, 1979. Red Dog was well known for his travels through the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Mostly a dog without an owner, he hitched rides all over the outback, until one day he met the man who was to become his master, American John Grant, a bus/truck driver with Hamersley Iron. Grant's work allowed Red to travel as far as Perth, Broome, Roebourne, Point Samson and Port Hedland. I won't go too far into the story, as this would spoil the plot, but Red Dog basically ended up uniting the entire town of Dampier and when he passed away a statue and memorial stone was erected in his honour.

Anthony b Loveridge

Statue in honor of Red Dog in Dampier, Australia

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The movie is full of fun moments, with some really crazy characters - typical of men living and working in the middle of nowhere. Red Dog's alter-ego, Red Cat, is a lot of fun too. It also has its very touching moments (hence the requirement for a box of tissues!)

Anthony b Loveridge

Memorial to Red Dog in Dampier, Australia.

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Main stars are Josh Lucas, who plays Red Dog's owner, Rachael Taylor, Noah Taylor, Luke Ford and not forgetting, the best member of the cast, Koko, the Red Kelpie. Names have changed a little from the original story, and some might call the movie a little "cheesy", but it really is a great watch. The original Red Dog even has his own Facebook page. The movie was released in cinemas in Australia in August 2011 and is available on DVD through Amazon.