12 Australian Films You Must See Before You Die
5. Red Dog
Get the tissues ready, because this one is going to have you balling your eyes out. While it doesn't bring me pride to say that this emotionless rock of a writer had never cried in a cinema before seeing this film, I am happy to say that I cried like a little baby throughout this one.
The film starts in a sombre tone, with local legend canine 'Red Dog' about to be put down. Unable to say farewell to the town's loveable pooch, the townsfolk recall the actions that made the dog the icon he is. From helping immigrants on their arrival and just being a good friend to all, the tales abound of the dog who has 'no true owner'.
That is until the arrival in town of American John Grant, played by Josh Lucas, who unintentionally is bestowed the role of Red's owner. John soon falls in love with local girl Nancy and everything appears to be swimming along nicely.
Without going too far into spoiler territory, it can be said that an event occurs that is both shocking and sad. The event itself however is nothing compared to the truly heartbreaking reaction from one of the characters to this event, which is equal parts beautiful and devastating. Forget Beaches, My Girl or The Notebook, this film will have you sobbing more than all those three films combined.