A Dog Barking at the Moon

A Dog Barking at the Moon is a Chinese and Spanish language film released in 2019. The movie, a powerful family drama with multiple layers regarding sexuality, societal norms, and tradition, is an impressive debut from Chinese filmmaker, Lisa Zi Xiang. Starring Renhua Na, Gaowa Siqin, and Zhang Yinyue, the narrative is a heart-wrenching examination of a tragically dysfunctional family living in the cultural crossroads of China.

The film primarily revolves around the Bai family. The matriarch Mrs. Bai, portrayed by Gaowa Siqin, mask her true feelings of despair behind an outer facade of pretentious grandeur while repeatedly indulging in a religious cult in her quest for solace. Her husband, Mr. Bai, characterized by Renhua Na, is a closeted gay man who continually struggles to maintain the dignified image of a family patriarch while harboring an intense desire for his clandestine love interest. Boldly contradicting customary Chinese beliefs of heterosexuality, fatherhood, and family, Mr. Bai represents oppression within a society where homosexuality is largely considered taboo.

Their daughter, Huang Xiaoyu, played by Zhang Yinyue, represents modernity and open-minded viewpoints different from her parents' traditional values. She is pregnant and returns home from Spain after many years of estrangement, only to find the irony of love, betrayal, and hypocrisy masked by the veneer of her family's respectable societal image. Engulfed in their own silent battles, each character labors to maintain appearances while grappling with their own internal contradictions.

The film primarily stands out for its brilliant portrayal of the conflict between tradition and modernity and the impact of societal norms on individual desires and happiness. The title of the film, A Dog Barking at the Moon, is a metaphorical representation of futile efforts leading to more frustration. Through splendidly designed frames highlighting architectural elegance and a calm and minimalist aesthetic, the film almost offers a tribute to the truism 'old wine in a new bottle,' reflecting old social dogmas against the backdrop of ultra-modern settings and lifestyles.

Moreover, the film beautifully captures the struggle of its characters caught on the crossroads of societal expectations and personal desires. Complex issues such as homosexuality, religious fanaticism, despair, and traditional values get portrayed with utmost sensitivity. Each character resonates deeply with viewers, emerging as a well-rounded individual bound by societal constraints and their own hidden realities.

A Dog Barking at the Moon sets itself apart with its masterful storytelling, muted yet impactful performances, and brilliant cinematography. The symbolic visuals crafted by cinematographer Carlos Ibanez Diaz offer a startling beauty to gloomy spaces and mundane daily life. The visually arresting frames effectively manifest the suppressed emotions and inner turmoil of its characters. While the sharp, evocative dialogues interspersed with silence succeed in capturing the characters' unspoken thoughts, the beautifully crafted screenplay peppers the narrative with enough suspense to keep viewers engaged.

Further, the direction and storytelling abilities of Lisa Zi Xiang need to be applauded. The detailed characterization and mastery in capturing raw, unfiltered emotion lend the film a distinct, unforgettable appeal. The unvarnished reality portrayed through the characters' subtle expressions and the underlying tension creates an intensely immersive viewing experience. The precise handling of the complexities inherent in the characters' emotions and their intricate dynamics successfully caters to the film's layered narrative.

The performances of the actors are noteworthy. Gaowa Siqin, as Mrs. Bai, effectively embodies the despair and denial of a woman battling her reality. Zhang Yinyue, as the honest and resilient Xiaoyu, strikes a fine balance between modernity and tradition. Renhua Na, as Mr. Bai, brings life to his character with nuanced subtlety and mild-mannered strength.

In conclusion, A Dog Barking at the Moon is not just a movie; it's a profound exploration of individual emotions set against the framework of society's expectations. Through symbolic motifs and thoughtful narrative layers, the film becomes a striking reflection of the human condition and social dynamics in contemporary Chinese society. By addressing taboo topics through compelling storytelling and characters that resonate with identity struggles, this atmospheric drama skillfully dissects the themes of acceptance, hypocrisy, and the complexity of love. Thus, it leaves a lasting impression and invites viewers to introspect their prejudices, biases, and societal constructs.