Walt Disney Pictures triumphs in this heart-warming story of one man and his 8 abandoned dogs, inspired by true events.
The film Eight below, cinematographically stunning in its representation of the South Pole, tells the moving story of Jerry’s (played by Paul Walker) desperate struggle to be reunited with his team of sled dogs, having been forced to abandon them due to ferocious weather conditions.
The 8 sled dogs, led by Maya, a silver-coated powerful and maternal husky with strikingly intelligent brown eyes, really do steal the show. Their responsiveness to Jerry and to each other is outstanding and incredibly impressive. The way they communicate is simultaneously respectful, precise, subtle, and pure. If only humans were the same!
The most outstanding quality, however, delicately portrayed by both Walker and the team of dogs, is their unfailing loyalty to each other. It is this ubiquitous aspect in the film, which acts as the storyline’s purpose and motive. Jerry’s increasing anguish and inability to accept the fact he left his dogs alone during one of the South Pole’s most vicious winters highlight this significant feature of the adventure. As the days on their own progress, the viewer cannot help but feel a kind of connection with the dogs. They express themselves so distinctively; all it takes is a bark or a slight tilt of the head to understand exactly what they are trying to communicate to each other. The absence of human dialogue in these scenes does not affect the viewer’s concentration or enjoyment in watching the film; it in fact enhances it.
The dogs, named Maya, Max (with the most incredible blue gaze), Shorty, Dewey, Truman, Shadow, Buck and Old Jack each demonstrate their own personalities and specific roles they play. They all stand out, yet it is their team effort, which is truly exceptional.
This film can certainly be enjoyed by people of all ages who love dogs and who would enjoy seeing them portrayed in such a positive way, i.e. their strongest attribute, loyalty, reigning above all other human or canine characteristic.
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