Old Dog

Old Dog is an emotionally gripping feature film released in 2011, written and directed by Pema Tseden. The film features a cast who brings authenticity to the storytelling with naturalistic performances including Lochey, Drolma Kyab, and Tamdrin Tso. The film interestingly blends social commentary with personal drama, offering an emotional journey that speaks volumes about the challenges and changes in contemporary Tibetan society.

The film unpacks a complex narrative that revolves around an old Tibetan sheepdog and its owner. It spotlights the struggle between preserving traditional values and accepting irrevocable changes in society, told through the relationship of an elderly nomad, Gonpo, played by Lochey, and his beloved mastiff, a breed that has become a status symbol for China's new rich.

Gonpo lives a simple yet satisfying life in rural Tibet, with days blending beautifully into one another. However, his tranquil existence is disrupted when a dog dealer becomes interested in his purebred Tibetan mastiff. Despite Gonpo’s steadfast refusal, the dealer is persistent, triggering the latent tension in the film. The dog, symbolic of the Tibetan spirit, and the desire to sell it for profit, mirrors the subtle yet consistent erosion of traditional Tibetan culture.

Drolma Kyab delivers a compelling performance as the short-tempered son trying to protect his father and his heritage. His character provides a contrasting perspective to his father’s, underscoring the generational gap and differing viewpoints on the concept of change.

Tamdrin Tso plays an equally important role as the daughter-in-law who is unable to bear children, further symbolizing the fear of an ending lineage. Her character subtly adds to the clash of changing traditions and societal constructs in the film.

Throughout the film, director Pema Tseden employs a slow pace, close-ups, and long takes, inviting the audience to not just observe but also feel the emotional weight carried by the characters. Through his compelling storytelling approach, he brings forth an underlying theme of passive resistance, unsettling socio-economic forces, and the creeping sense of powerlessness that pervades the traditional community.

The filming techniques of Old Dog beautifully portray Tibet's stark landscapes as an inexplicably intertwined character within the narrative. It captures the bare, unadulterated beauty of rural Tibet, providing a striking backdrop to the lives unfolding in front of it. The film also borders on the documentary by its honest portrayal of the mundane yet profound lives in the high plateau.

Old Dog also explores the emotional connection between humans and animals. The narrative subtly unfurls how Gonpo’s dog is not just an animal but an inseparable part of his life, a companion in solitude, and a symbol of his identity and lineage. The film tenderly portrays the bond between the elderly Tibetan and his dog, capturing moments of unsaid understanding and mutual companionship.

The palpable tension throughout the film comes to a head in the climax, drawing the audience deeper into the narrative and leaving them with a lingering sense of unease and empathy.

Old Dog is more than a tale of a man and his dog. It is a cinematic exploration exposing a shifting paradigm within Tibetan society, depicting an intimate struggle against a backdrop of broader socio-political issues. The movie allows us to witness, experience, and resonate with the nomadic lifestyle of Tibet, a society grappling to maintain its identity amidst unstoppable macro and micro changes.

In its use of a simple plot, Old Dog conveys a richer, more profound story. The film captures significant angles of Tibetan life and allure, revealing a fascinating culture and its challenges in the face of changing values and commodification.

Overall, Old Dog immerses viewers into a local story of a man, his dog, and their fate, connecting it to larger global narratives, making it a truly universal cinematic experience.

A must-watch movie for more than one reason, Old Dog requires patience and sensitivity to decode the marvelous subtleties it gradually reveals. The movie cements Pema Tseden's status as one of the most important Tibetan filmmakers of his generation, presenting a touching exploration of contemporary Tibet that is both authentic and thought-provoking.