Before Parasite and "#BongHive", Academy Award winner Bong Joon-ho directed this "A Dog of Flanders" satire. The breaking dawn of the South Korean director's career. It was in this movie that Bong showcases his wits and smarts, and his ability to be profound without even trying.
This dramedy sees the director at his quirkiest. Inspired by slapstick comedy, Bong subverts our expectations to emphasize the hilarity of the moment. In one sequence, an intense chase scene is accompanied by bizarre jazz music instead of a suspenseful score. By constantly deceiving us, Bong was able to hold our attention to deliver his message across.
This movie is Bong's creative exploration of class disparity. Though unlike the films that proceeded this, the message of "Barking Dogs Never Bite" meagers and, sometimes, sloppy. Even so, Bong's dedication to carry through a powerful statement on society and politics is admirable. And doing it without compromising the core story, is one of the main reasons why this film was able to hold its ground.
"Barking Dogs Never Bite" might be everyone's least favorite Bong Joon-ho film but the movie introduces us to a Korean renaissance. A wave that is uncontained by the taboos and unafraid to make fun of the reality. The epitome of unconfined cinema.
3/5
