I loved watching The Year of the Dog and going through all the extreme emotions with the main characters in this great story.
The film is about developing trust and love after deep losses, classic man versus himself conflict. And a great rescue dog. It was so realistic I did not want it to end.
Wonderful sensitive performances from the lead actor (and writer) Rob Grabow, and amazing actors Michael Spears and Jon Proudstar who are Native American. You will find history and strength and wisdom in their words.
I learned a lot about sled dogs and dog psychology that I did not know before, even though I grew up with a best friend dog - a German Shepherd mix not unlike the dog in the movie - and am a lifelong dog lover. The movie star dog is a stray Husky underdog (and was a rescued abandoned dog in real life too), like the fictional main human character says of himself in the trailer. He is a man estranged from his own family and recovering from alcohol addiction.
Watching the relationship grow between the headstrong dog and the equally obstinate man, who starts out clueless about dogs, was a delight. A few moments of the film are burned in my memory, one when the Husky and recovering alcohol nap together is so peaceful.
Montana is beautiful in the movie. I had never been there or seen dog sledding before, but it is really remote. Watching the movie in theaters at the Village East in New York City, I was transported to a wilder cleaner place. The music in the movie is original and lovely. I hope this comes out on streaming sites so I can watch it again.
At some scenes I laughed, but I also cried. As a reviewer here said, bring tissues. Recovery from alcoholism is a tough road to watch. I had alcoholics in the extended family and I wish they had had friends and a dog like this to bring them love and hope.
I highly recommend The Year of the Dog to viewers!