Who said animals don’t have souls? Certainly not little Ethan, an 8-year-old who in 1962 embarked on an extraordinary adventure with a puppy named Bailey. Over the years, Ethan forms a very strong bond with his dog, who is present at every important stage of his life. Until the day when, devastated, he must decide to let Bailey, Bailey, and the sick man go. What if the animal’s departure was actually just the beginning?
My Lives as a Dog, which was released in theaters in 2017, is one of those feel-good, feel-good, and do-good movies. After Hutch (which broke our little hearts), director Lass Holstrom once again tells the story of the fairytale relationship between a man (played by Dennis Quaid after Kay Jay Apa) and his lifelong best friend.
If the international press did not follow My Lives as a Dog, the audience fell under its spell, if its rating on AlloCiné is to be believed: with an average of 4.1 out of 5, it is the second feature film – after Hallström’s highest rated film. Hutch. And if the studios gave the green light for the sequel (released in 2019), the film faced an unexpected controversy…
Associations interfere
January 2017, a week before the movie hits theaters. American tabloid TMZ publishes a video showing a German shepherd being forced to dive into a pool. The animal, thrown into the water against its will, sank before the team could come to its rescue. It’s a cold shower. As the controversy grows, the producers decide to cancel the American premiere, which was supposed to take place a few days later.
Josh Gad, who lends his voice to the dog Bailey, shares his sadness over the images, with the director (now X) explaining on Twitter that every precaution was taken on set to protect the animals from any mistreatment. But the damage is done: PETA calls for a boycott when the American Humane Association decides to conduct its own investigation.
On February 3, he finally issued a press release denouncing a “fake filming video” intended to sabotage the film’s release. The association concludes that the production has indeed taken all necessary measures to ensure the welfare of the dogs…
My Lives as a Dog leaves Netflix on June 30.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
