Isle of Dogs Parent Guide

An old Japanese story tells of a family of cat lovers who convinced the public that dogs were a danger to their society. Then a boy samurai challenged their intent to kill all the canines. Decapitating the head of the Kobayashi clan, he single-swordedly saved the species.

History appears to be repeating itself in modern Japan, when man’s best friend is again threatened. This time it is with snout fever, a disease that leaves the animals with open wounds and aggressive natures. The incumbent Mayor, whose name is also Kobayashi (voice of Kunichi Nomura), has made an election promise to rid the city of the mangy mongrels by exiling them to an off-shore dump called Trash Island. To show his resolve, Mayor Kobayashi is the first to send one, taken from his own household. However, he ignores the fact that the guard dog Spots (voice of Liev Schreiber) is a pal to his orphaned nephew and legal ward, Atari (voice of Koyu Rankin).

Meanwhile, Professor Watanabe (voice of Akira Ito) claims the canine illness can be cured and the dogs can be saved. But his opposing opinion, extensive research and promising treatment are killed, because he is also the candidate running against Kobayashi for the position of Mayor.

When the brainwashed populous willingly banish their pets to the dog-eat-dog world of the rubbish heap, Atari steals a plane and pilots it to the isle, determined to rescue his pup. After a crash landing and a few injuries, the twelve-year-old is befriended by a pack of five alpha males (voices of Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray and Jeff Goldblum). These pooches agree to help him find Spots, even though the boy is being pursued by Kobayashi’s minions and a new breed of mechanical mutts.

Wes Anderson, director and contributing script writer, puts his unique touch on this boy-and-his-dog story. Unfolding with a mix of traditional and stop-frame animation, the tale is infested with the kind of dry humor and cynicism found in some of his other projects (Moonrise Kingdom and Fantastic Mr. Fox). The production is playfully told in the Japanese language, with interpretation given by a state narrator (voice of Frances McDormand) and an exchange student (voice of Greta Gerwig). Fortunately, the dogs speak English.

Yet it is not all fun and games. Parents should be aware of the violent depictions which are included, some with embellished details. Animal cruelty and lab testing are both implied and depicted. A neglected child is threatened by his caregiver and corrupt officials. Murder and suicide are alluded to and shown. And weapons use, perilous situations and surgical procedures are illustrated.

Fans of Wes Anderson will likely be amused by this edition to his quirky body of work. Those experiencing his style for the first time may instead find themselves confused by his combination of serious content and strange comedy.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.