Who doesn’t love a dog story/movie/video/DVD? Back in 2011 Red Dog was a national hit – 8th highest-grossing Australian film, ever! Five years later a prequel followed. Now Koko: A Red Dog Story has been released.
In true Aussie style, this “documentary” is more mockumentary as it recounts the true story of Red Dog’s star, Koko. Tongue firmly in cheek, actors replay the history of finding the right dog to play Red Dog. It follows Koko’s life from show dog to film actor, and the director’s (Toby Truslove) search for the right dog. It also demonstrates the truth of the old adage “don’t work with animals and children”: there’s the poor director who is allergic to dogs and suffers through filming and the producer (played by Felix Williamson) who falls in love with Koko.
Of course, it wouldn’t be complete with many outtakes from the film showcasing Koko’s antics, awwwww. Special kudos to Sarah Woods who plays Carol Hobday, Koko’s owner. I won’t spoil the story, needless to say there are plenty of heartfelt moments—and lots of tear-jerking ones too.
But be warned, if you don’t have a dog—you will want one by the film’s end. There should be a trigger warning, especially if children watch.
And, as if you didn’t need another reason to buy the DVD, a portion of the DVD’s release revenue will aid The Dog’s Refuge Home of WA.
Koko: A Red Dog Story released on Home Entertainment on November 4.
