Still needs another much tighter recut, this now unbanned Thai film about a cult of dog-worshipping fanatics is at times intolerable with its B-movie vibe though it unexpectedly turns into something revelatory about the meaning of ‘God’.
Review #2,886
Dir. Ing K
1997/2024 | Thailand | Drama, Comedy | 110 min | 1.37:1 | English
R21 (passed clean) for mature themes
Cast: Krissada Sukosol Clapp, Fiona Tarini Graham, Chuchai Laingern,
Plot: Rich young American-Thai Robin imports cult investigator Victor all the way from New York to Bangkok, to rescue his young wife Cherry Pie and baby from a New Age cult. On arrival at the Ashram of Boundless Love, they discover a far darker reality than even they imagined.
Awards: –
Source: –
Accessibility Index
Subject Matter: Mature – Religious Cult; Existence; Community
Narrative Style: Straightforward
Pace: Slightly Slow
Audience Type: Niche Arthouse
Viewed: Oldham Theatre
Spoilers: No
Apparently, the ban on this film in Thailand has been lifted after more than two decades. Originally called My Teacher Eats Biscuits, but now re-cut and christened as Dog God, the film is indeed about a dog who is perceived as the one true God by a cult of fanatics.
The problem is that it wears a yellow robe, which may be offensive to Buddhists, amongst other taboos. The film also denigrates other religions according to the censors, but after seeing it (an opportunity presented by the Asian Film Archive), I think the folks with those big metaphorical scissors are missing the forest for the trees.
Granted, its ‘90s student film, B-movie vibe will certainly alienate more sophisticated audiences, not to mention it features some of the most cringe-worthy performances I have encountered for some time, there is indeed a solid case for dismissing Dog God outright.
Well, at least for the atrocious first-third… because it does get better, and lo and behold, turns into a revelatory statement of intent by the end credits.
“You don’t even have an inner wolf.”
So, what to make of it really—a cult object of conspicuous flaws that are forgivable in light of its philosophical truths?
The story is simple, though it ought to have cut to the chase: a man whose wife has been indoctrinated into the abovementioned dog-loving cult tries to seek the help of another man hoping to expose the illicit affair.
While the fanatics seem rather cuckoo in their heads, director Ing K asks us to think more rationally: if a suicidal person undergoing severe depression can find happiness and inner peace with a supportive cult, does it matter if he or she is praying to whichever ‘God’?
Can someone be kind enough to tell Ing K that Dog God needs another re-cut—it’s at most a 70-odd minute piece and I think it will work wonders.
Grade: C+
Trailer:
Eternality Tan 