Well, hasn’t 2004 just been really interesting for me. Little did I suspect that I would ever be called upon to review anything that had to do with poo. Yet, in the short course of a month I have reviewed not one, but TWO films about the subject. What’s even more unusual is that these two projects are pretty much geometric opposites in terms of their genre and target audience. The first was a low budget film called “Monsturd”, which is about a giant murderous piece of poo. More recently a quiet little animated film came to my attention, simply titled “Doggy Poo.” I’m like most people in the fact that my first reaction to the title was that my brain went into ‘you’ve got to be kidding’ mode. Not knowing very much about beyond the fact that it was publicized as being a life affirming children’s story that has won many awards, I was pretty much prepared to make all the jokes and subtle innuendos that my devious little mind could concoct in reviewing it. Little did I expect that once I saw it, I would actually see some merit to the film and begrudgingly suggest it to other parents.

Before I get into the actual review, let me give you a little background on the story. It seems “Doggy Poo” is based on the 1968 children’s book by Korean author Jung-Saeng Kwon. It was his first book, and it became tremendously popular, even going so far as to win the Children’s Literature Award. Writing the book was a turning point for Kwon, who had started life in poverty. He went on to write more than 110 short stories, 8 children’s novels, as well as books of poems and essays, becoming one of the most famous children’s authors in Korea. He lives by and teaches a philosophy of tolerance and a love of all things in nature.

To create an animated version of “Doggy Poo,” director Oh-Sung Kwon chose to use a Claymation format similar to that of “Wallace & Gromit.” They built real sets, and shot the 60 minute film, frame by frame. Admittedly, I’m just glad they decided to use real clay as opposed to, well... you know. As you might have guessed by the title, the main character is a little pile of poo. After being… uh… deposited on the side of the road, he begins to ponder the meaning of existence. He tries to ask those who wander by, but is met with revulsion and taunting. He is told that he has no purpose, no reason for being. Until one day, a dandelion sprouts up out of the ground near him and teaches him that there is a purpose for everyone and everything, including this little pile of poo.

Okay, I can hear some of you out there snickering. And you, the guy laughing so hard that tears are rolling down your face, yeah I hear you, too. I completely understand your reaction. When I first heard about this film, I acted the same way. After my initial reaction, though I decided to give it a fair chance. Certainly there are numerous strange projects that I’ve seen before and have been completely surprised by. And after all, it’s not at all fair to pre-judge anything. You know, the old “can’t judge a book by its cover” adage.

As it turns out, “Doggy Poo” is actually a very sweet fable, perfectly suited for children. The lessons to be learned are a bit more existential than my tastes prefer, but they are good lessons nonetheless. If you think ‘Circle of Life” you kind of get the idea of where the story goes. And aside from the spiritual nature of the story, I think some children may identify with the main character much in the way they may have with the Ugly Duckling. Many children (and actually a lot of adults) wrestle with the question of whether or not they have a purpose in life. This is especially true of kids who may not be as attractive or talented as society teaches us we’re supposed to be. These children have to deal with ridicule, and it’s these kids that need all the affirmation they can get. As odd as it may seem, children may see that if even something considered as low as a piece of poo has a purpose, then surely they do as well.

What surprised me even more about the DVD release from Central Park Media, is all the extra features they heaped onto this disc. There are photo, set and behind the scenes galleries as well as a music video. For those into the art of animation there are also alternate angle color storyboards for the entire film. The two other main features are the best, one of which is the original Korean Doggy Poo pilot, and the unfortunately named “Making of Doggy Poo.” This documentary is very entertaining, but I just wish they had called it something else.

There will be very few audiences who will ride the fence about “Doggy Poo.” There will be those who will be unable to see past the fact that the character is a piece of poo, and do nothing but make fun of it. They will be unable to recognize the lessons available in this story, or the value it may have for their children. Then there will be those who have a higher brain capacity and intellectual level, who will be able to see past the surface and accept the film for what it is. This is the audience that will appreciate the work that went into creating it, and can see it for the charming parable that it is.

Directed by: Oh-Sung Kwon
Extras: The Making of “Doggy Poo”, Alternate Angle Color Storyboards for Entire Program, Original Korean Doggy Poo Pilot, Author Biography, U.S. Doggy Poo Trailer, Music Video, Photo Gallery, Set Gallery, Behind the Scenes Gallery, Previews
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital Stereo
Studio: Central Park Media
Release Date: 3/23/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Doggy Poo a B.