Mitt Liv som Hund (My Life as a Dog) (1985)

100% of critics liked it
(30 reviews)
88% of users liked it
(8,274 ratings)

In 1959 Sweden, young Ingemar (Anton Glanzelius) lives with his dying mother and his nasty older brother. He survives all of life's knocks by comparing himself to those who are worse off--such as Laika, the little Russian space dog who was rocketed to his death and had nothing to say in the matter.… More In 1959 Sweden, young Ingemar (Anton Glanzelius) lives with his dying mother and his nasty older brother. He survives all of life's knocks by comparing himself to those who are worse off--such as Laika, the little Russian space dog who was rocketed to his death and had nothing to say in the matter. Ingemar begins to identify with Laika more and more as his mother's health deteriorates, at times dropping to all fours and baying at the moon. When his mother is advised to get some peace and quiet away from her children, Ingemar is sent to live with his loveable uncle and aunt. For the first time, the boy is surrounded by relatives and classmates who pose no threat and who genuinely like him. He even has a sexual awakening. When his mother dies, he no longer rationalizes his misfortunes by comparing himself to those less fortunate; from now on, he can conjure up pleasant memories of his summer away from home to sustain him through the hard times. My Life as a Dog (Mitt Liv Som Hund) is based on the autobiographical novel by Reidar Jonsson. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Lasse Hallström
Written By: Lasse Hallström, Reidar Jonsson, Per Berglund
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 12, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Feb 23, 1999
Studio: Skouras Pictures

Critic Reviews

Michael Booth, Denver Post
A series of emotionally wrenching moments that made My Life as a Dog a transatlantic hit when it arrived in 1985.
Hal Hinson, Washington Post
A lot of the movie is routine coming-of-age stuff.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Well-constructed crowd-pleaser.
Glenn Heath Jr., Slant Magazine
One of the great films about childhood perception, My Life as a Dog and all its atmospheric beauty comes to Blu-ray thanks to the Criterion Collection.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Good coming-of-age movie for older kids.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
The frequent collision of comedy and drama is breathtakingly real, and Anton Glanzelius is terrific as Ingemar, a smart 12 year old with a philosophical bent
Sean Axmaker, Turner Classic Movies Online
One of the greatest and most sensitive films about children and the turbulence of childhood...
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
A good-natured coming-of-age pic from Sweden captured the hearts of many.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Touching, funny story of childhood in Sweden.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
The gentlest direction that director Lasse Halstrom has ever demonstrated.

Read all 10 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Pierluigi P

Childhood is the happiest time of our lives simply because we still ignore what is wrong with the world and the people living in it. This film shows the moment when a kid begins to suffer at being beaten by tragedy (the loss of his mother and his dog) and disorientation (sexuality),… More
Childhood is the happiest time of our lives simply because we still ignore what is wrong with the world and the people living in it. This film shows the moment when a kid begins to suffer at being beaten by tragedy (the loss of his mother and his dog) and disorientation (sexuality), but realizes is the time of shaping his own identity and character to endure.
Daniel J D

Well, you definitely don't see these types of films coming out of American filmmakers, probably because in America, you couldn't likely get away with some of the things they get away with in this film. The repetition of the initial scene throughout the movie gets a little… More
Well, you definitely don't see these types of films coming out of American filmmakers, probably because in America, you couldn't likely get away with some of the things they get away with in this film. The repetition of the initial scene throughout the movie gets a little repetitive, but other than that, excellent acting, a believable plot, and like I said, something you just wouldn't see in America (unless you rented the DVD).
Cynthia S

A touching portrayal of a young boys personal grief, and understanding of loss and change in his life. Through his personal transformation he finds a certain happiness, and many friendships, in his new life. Heartbreaking yet reassuring that there are good people out there in the… More
A touching portrayal of a young boys personal grief, and understanding of loss and change in his life. Through his personal transformation he finds a certain happiness, and many friendships, in his new life. Heartbreaking yet reassuring that there are good people out there in the world.
Randy T

After his mother becomes seriously ill, young Ingemar is sent to live with his eccentric uncle in a distant but exceptionally warm-hearted community of oddballs, misfits and daydreamers. Heart wrenching and yet heart warming. A delightful, delightful film. (Yes, I know, I said it… More
After his mother becomes seriously ill, young Ingemar is sent to live with his eccentric uncle in a distant but exceptionally warm-hearted community of oddballs, misfits and daydreamers. Heart wrenching and yet heart warming. A delightful, delightful film. (Yes, I know, I said it twice.)
Leigh R

Brilliant!
Anthony L

A very touching story of a confused young boy growing up in the 50's. It certainly lived up to the hype, I was convinced I wouldn't like it due to not being much of a Lasse Hallstrom fan. Shame his recent films aren't this good!
Cindy I

A well-done enjoyable film about a boy who goes to live with his aunt and uncle during his mother's ultimately terminal illness. Doesn't sound enjoyable and indeed has some down moments. But there are an equal if not more moments of sweetness and laughs. Note in particular… More
A well-done enjoyable film about a boy who goes to live with his aunt and uncle during his mother's ultimately terminal illness. Doesn't sound enjoyable and indeed has some down moments. But there are an equal if not more moments of sweetness and laughs. Note in particular the boy, Ingemar's, internal conversations about people less fortunate than himself, and especially his uncle's hilarious description of how sausage is made (Hint: It involves a moose, a badger and a two-man tent). Moving coming of age story appropriate for the whole family.
Tom E

Another Precious Ingmar movie --
Gordon A

Touching portrayal of a brave boy and his struggles growing up with a host of wacky characters. Just about stays the right side of whimsical.
Chris B

A coming of age story with plenty of drama and real life scenarios but also one that has just enough humor in the right places to make it enjoyable. While the story itself is more true to life and not so perfect, that is what makes the film so wonderful and touching. The… More
A coming of age story with plenty of drama and real life scenarios but also one that has just enough humor in the right places to make it enjoyable. While the story itself is more true to life and not so perfect, that is what makes the film so wonderful and touching. The performances are amazing, especially that of Anton Glanzelius who gives a complex and amazingly real performance as a growing boy who is losing his mother, his lone provider and hero, and must learn to cope with it. He has an uncle who loves him very much who steps in and is the reason we are given hope and a sense of peace throughout and at the end of My Life as a Dog. Highly Recommended!
Quinto W

It is very rare to find a movie that portrays a child as richly developed as 'My Life as Dog' does it, and protagonist Anton Glanzelius is a wonder at articulating his character's struggle with subtle expressions. A film that could've stumbled into easy schmaltz… More
It is very rare to find a movie that portrays a child as richly developed as 'My Life as Dog' does it, and protagonist Anton Glanzelius is a wonder at articulating his character's struggle with subtle expressions. A film that could've stumbled into easy schmaltz and over-the-topness instead brings a focus and tone to it that recalls real life as seen through young eyes.
Donna D

I watched this years ago, but I remember it was a great movie! One of my favorite foreign movies. :) A must see. I have to rewatch this again!
Richard F

A pioneering Swedish gem that was way ahead of its time.
Robert F

Cute, and a little sad. I was really tired when I watched it, so I'm sure I nodded off during a few scenes. But on the whole, while it didn't really interest me, and I wouldn't watch it more than once, it was one of the better foreign films I've seen lately.
Wu C

Another great foreign coming of age tale.