Stray

GOOD BOY Just what everyone is missing from their life: more doggie videos. Shot from a wonderful ground level pooch point of view, "Stray" follows a wayward pack on the streets of Istanbul as they play, scrap, mooch, befriend, sleep, and just plain struggle to survive. Without context or history, this movie just is. And it is intoxicating. Aligning themselves with another bunch of outcasts - homeless refuge orphans - the canines offer a different take on the man's best friend cliche, one that finds common bond in flight, survival and squatting. In what is a desperate, dangerous, harsh and bleak existence, the pack finds not only solace, but also camaraderie and slivers of unexpected joy. Accentuated by dreamy cello accompaniment, there's a wonderful wordless poetic vibe permeating throughout, creating an enticing, sometimes hypnotic viewing experience. Often the focus of exotic wildlife films, "Stray" proves the gymnastic dance of mammal movement also exists on unforgiving city streets. Includes a grand howl to prayer finale so you know you wanna like and subscribe. - hipCRANK

I guess if you like dogs walking around this is the movie for you.

Raw, unfiltered and beautifully directed, this movie shows life from the PoV of strays and does so without feeling forced. Really liked this one!

Storytelling is incoherent and sloppy. Lo tov.

Stray is a beautifully captured portrait of life for stray dogs living on the streets of Istanbul. Captured over a two year period the camera casually and effectively follows dogs as they go about their lives. The main focus is on Zeytin, a large and amiable dog who finds company with humans and other dogs whilst trying to find shelter and food. His life intersects with Syrian refugees who have their struggles. I didn't realise there were so many stray dogs in some countries, it's a different way of life. There used to be a 'kill order' but thankfully not anymore. Dogs are wonderful creatures and I spent most of this fine film just worried for their safety.

An immersive and powerful view. And that is because the point of view is the one of the invisibles. Human and dogs alike.

Elizabeth Lo's intriguing documentary follows the escapades of three stray dogs through the streets of Istanbul, quite literally. Choosing to shoot the majority of the film at the same eye level of Zeytin, the main focus of the three dogs, the camera follows behind her as she goes about her daily business. Lo captures Zeytins eyes with such effectiveness at times, it seems that you can tell exactly what she's thinking, and this makes for a captivating view of the city from a completely alternate point of view. It's astonishing to see for yourself how these strays keep themselves alive, how they learn to find kindness, and how they have to deal with trouble which inevitably find them. It also makes a great double bill with......

Possibly in my top ten of all time great films. Exceptional, outstanding. Oddly one of the most human films you're ever likely to see.

So hubby and wife date night was all about watching stray dogs in Turkey and it was pretty fun. It's a documentary filmed from dog level and there's some serious shaky cam which kinda works here, but don't watch this on your phone. If you become immersed in this universe you'll love the film. If you love dogs you'll love this film. It's gentle and the ending is wonderful. Quick at 72 minutes! Hubby: 8.0 Wife: 7.2 Average 7.6/10

Kedi, the doc about stray cats in Turkey, was great. Following around a different cat in each segment, each with something of its own personality, its own neighborhood or haunts, was compelling as they felt like actual characters to an extent. Not so with Stray, which follows one dog more or less, but with much less interesting results. The quotes were distracting, and seemed like some lame attempt to add more depth to a rather thin, unsubstantial documentary. 2.8 stars