The latest film by Chinese director Guan Hu takes us into an impressively staged world and the emotional abysses of its protagonists among the harsh landscapes of the Gobi Desert . It is a surprising story that tells about the return of a broken man to his hometown. There, the lonely anti-hero Lang (excellently played by Eddie Peng) tries to come to terms with his past and meets a black, stray dog. They become friends but soon Lang realizes that his furry friend is forcing him to confront his inner demons. Black Dog is not a sweet animal movie. It is a visually powerful and raw exploration of guilt and redemption, as well as a meditation on the possibility of a new beginning in a world often dominated by despair. An ingenious film that mixes tragedy with humor, combines western and thriller, and treats both people and animals with respect. Gao Weizhe's impressive camerawork ensures that the surreal, almost extraterrestrial-looking landscapes and cool color palette reinforce the dark mood of this Chinese noir. “Black Dog” won the main prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival and has since won hundreds of hearts. Soon it will win yours too.