Barking Dogs Never Bite

| 2000

Directed by: Bong Joon Ho

Main Plot

Barking Dogs Never Bite follows a disgruntled university lecturer living in a high-rise apartment complex who becomes increasingly frustrated with the incessant barking of a neighbor's dog. In a moment of desperation, he decides to take drastic measures to silence the noise. As he embarks on this darkly comedic journey, he inadvertently becomes embroiled in a series of events that involve other residents of the building, including a young woman who is also dealing with her own struggles. The film explores themes of urban alienation, societal indifference, and the absurdity of life, all while blending elements of humor and suspense. As the lecturer's actions spiral out of control, the story reveals the interconnectedness of the characters and the unexpected consequences of seemingly small decisions in a bustling city environment.

Characters

  • Bae Doona plays Hyun-nam, a young woman who investigates mysterious dog disappearances in her apartment complex, adding humor and intrigue to the storyline.
  • Lee Sung-jae plays Yun-ju, a frustrated academic who becomes entangled in a series of comedic and dark events involving missing dogs in his apartment complex.
  • Kim Ho-jung plays Park Hyun-nam, a maintenance worker who dreams of becoming a hero. She investigates dog disappearances, driving the comedic and suspenseful elements of the story.

Ending Explained

In Barking Dogs Never Bite, the ending culminates in a chaotic resolution that ties together the film's themes of desperation and societal indifference. The main conflict revolves around a disgruntled university lecturer who, frustrated by the incessant barking of a neighbor's dog, takes drastic measures to silence it. His actions lead to a series of darkly comedic and absurd events, highlighting the absurdity of his moral decline. As the story progresses, the lecturer's attempts to dispose of the dog spiral out of control, leading to a confrontation with a dog lover who becomes embroiled in the chaos. The film's climax occurs when the lecturer's actions are exposed, forcing him to confront the consequences of his choices. In a moment of reckoning, he finds himself at the mercy of the very society he has scorned, revealing the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. Ultimately, the ending reinforces the film's critique of apathy and the lengths to which people will go to escape their problems. The resolution leaves viewers with a sense of ambiguity, reflecting on the moral complexities of human behavior and the often overlooked struggles of those around us. The film concludes with a haunting reminder of the impact of our actions on others.

Bong Joon Ho Comedy Bae Doona Lee Sung-jae Kim Ho-jung