The Plague Dogs (1982)

A tragic and moving tale
Richard Adams's novel 'The Plague Dogs' always stood in the shadow of his superior masterpiece - the classic 'Watership Down'. The same goes for the animated films, both of them directed by Martin Rosen. The animated version of The Plague Dogs, released four years after the acclaimed Watership Down, never quite achieved the kind of success its predecessor had; not because it wasn't as good, but because of pretty much the same reasons for the novel's limited success. While Watership Down hid violence and severe social-political criticism behind a disguise of a children's tale, The Plague Dogs is much more in-your-face, much less subtle, and makes no attempts to hide itself behind pretty words. The Plague Dogs is a tragic tale that is mercilessly critical toward modern society, taking a strict stand on the subject of cruelty to animals. The idea of an animated film strictly for adults was as difficult to swallow twenty years ago as the idea of a novel for adults told from an animal's point of view. Therefore, movie-goers didn't quite know what to make of the film; it didn't seem right for an adult to go watch an animated film about animals - and a parent who takes his little child to this film would face an even bigger problem of explaining to them why the bad people do such horrible things to the poor dogs.

Fortunately, today we know that animation isn't just for kids, and we can fully appreciate this masterpiece. The story is that of two laboratory dogs, voiced brilliantly by John Hurt and Christopher Benjamin, who escape from their cages and from the lab seeking the freedom of the outside world, and finding out that surviving in the wilderness isn't as easy as that. The scientists have reason to believe that the dogs contacted a bubonic plague virus during their escape, and so the two must run for their lives and fight for survival. Most of the film is from the dogs' point of view (they are later joined by a fox, voiced by James Bolam, who helps them survive in the wild, not without his own reasons). On the other hand we also hear the humans' conversations, yet we never see a human being's face; Rosen doesn't allow us to sympathize or identify with any of the human characters. The animals are clearly the more humane here, and that's the basis of what Rosen and Adams say here.

Be warned - don't let the animation fool you, this is not an easy watch. The violence in The Plague Dogs is more explicit than in most live action films, and the message it bears about human beings as a whole is difficult to swallow. John Hurt's performance as Snitter, alternately funny and sad, dominates the film, and it makes for one of the most beautiful and round animated characters ever seen on film. The story, especially that of Snitter's, is incredibly sad and touching, and is more powerful emotionally than any other animated feature I've seen. A highly recommended film, and not just for animation enthusiasts.

Great watch!
It's great movie to watch! Yes, the ending kinda leaves you hanging but you can surely tell from the mocie that they DO die. But, if you were to read the book, you can see that they live. So, when you watch the end of the movie after to have read th ebook, you would know that the fishermen pull them to shore and save them however,t hey did not put that into the movie. Which makes sense cuz, the book is a lot different than the movie, most of it revolving around Snitter the Smooth Fox Terrier.
"Snitter is my fav and i love to hear The Todd talking!)

Powerful and deeply moving story
I agree pretty much with what everyone has already said here about this great film, The Plague Dogs. This is one of, if not thee, most heartbreaking movies I own. Yet, it is so moving and powerful that it's worth going through such viewing pain. It is something that older kids (with care) should probably see. A lot of life lessons can be learned from this movie, such as the cruelty of man and life, and the need to respect living things and treat them with care. I would not describe this movie as preachy either. Just a real sad, moving story, very emotional. There is a funny bit or two as well. Look for a dog peeing at a gas station or something near someone. All in all, I would love to see it come out on dvd. Listen for the voice of Patrick Stewart (Star Trek) as the Major. I think, even though for being made back in 1982, the animation holds up fine.

As for the ending and the March 31, 2005 "Kid's review"... This person does not seem to understand the ending. The ending does not suck (not in the sense that the reviewer remarked). SPOILER ALERT: Yes it does not show them dying, but that was heavily implied IMHO. The two dogs were trapped by the military or police etc., on the shore. The two dogs jump into the ocean and are swimming for their lives, remarking about the lovely (imaginary) island they believe they see off in the distance. The idea and tone is: "yes, just a little further. It's a beautiful place, a place of no pain, a place of wonder, yes, there it is, if we just keep swimming...." Meanwhile they are getting more and more weary, getting further out into the ocean, and are running out of strength. The point was they had ran out of hope, options and strength, and they died reaching out for unobtainable peace and love. THE VERY PEACE AND LOVE these two dogs should have had to begin with and that we should treat all pets with. It's very sad, but is meant to inspire a good point. See it if you can, and never forget it. It's very memorable.