One of my favorite parts about doing this Blind Spot series is that it forces me to watch movies I’ve been intimidated by or nervous to watch. It’s been especially fun this year because my BFF Manda has joined me on my podcast to talk about each of the selections! This month’s pick, The Plague Dogs, is one I’ve been intrigued by but a little nervous to watch because of the disturbing imagery and themes. Now I’ve seen it and I was right to be anxious (if anything it was actually more disturbing than I anticipated) but it is definitely a bold and shocking film worth seeing .

Make sure you check out our recap tomorrow:

The Plague Dogs is interesting when placed in context of the animated films of the early 80’s and late 70’s.  This was the era when Ralph Bakshi, Don Bluth and other darker themed animators were making a name for themselves. Even Disney explored darker themes with films like The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron and live action Watcher in the Woods and Return to Oz. Animator Martin Rosen was part of this movement and his films Watership Down and The Plague Dogs stand out as some of the best.

While both films are based on Richard Adams books and can both be quite violent, Watership Down has more of a mythical, lyrical quality where The Plague Dogs seems more gritty and that is probably why it feels more shocking. It’s one thing for harsh things to happen to bunnies forming their allegorical societies and another for it to be realistic dogs on the run from the “white coats” trying to give them the bubonic plague.

One of my friends describes The Plague Dogs as “misery porn,” and I don’t know if I would go that far. Both Rowf and Snitter have hopeful moments that help you root for them and the ending could be interpreted hopefully depending on how you take it. However, it is definitely intense.  That’s for sure.

The voice acting led by John Hurd is excellent and the animation next level. They had an incredible team behind it including Brad Bird and the great Retta Scott. My only real criticism of the film is the absolutely terrible score by Patrick Gleason. The synthetic saxophone beats would feel more at home at a lounge club  than a gritty drama.

Evidently there are 2 versions of the film. I saw the 103 minute version which you can watch on tubi

What do you think of The Plague Dogs and what’s your favorite animated film from this darker period?

Smile worthy (it feels weird to say smile worthy to such a grim film but I would recommend it)

Make sure you check out the patreon for perks, exclusive reviews and to be part of our monthly events and watch alongs. Find out more here.