Customer Reviews

Hounddog

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

In case you are not aware, this film was slammed down really hard by the professional critics in general, earning something like %16 on rotten tomatoes (that's a really, really poor rating). The reason behind this immediate outrage against the film is quite obvious: we live in a society that is overly paranoid about childhood sexuality - the most taboo of all topics. This film isn't the least bit afraid to portray a 12 year old girl who is blooming sexually and exploring the power and creativity of (as well as learning the horrible dangers of) her sexuality. The fact that said girl is America's beloved, sweet Dakota Fanning only made the pill all the more bitter for the critics to swallow.

If you ask me, Fanning's character is amazingly realistic. Wake-up-call to the world: girls don't suddenly become sexual at 18! Of course a 12 year old can be curious, of course a 12 year old can be sexy. The fact that Dakota is walking around in her panties throughout most the film is realistic too, at least it would have been during that era in the poverty-stricken deep south, as are many other details in this movie, like the way the adults don't take issue with a 12-year-old taking a sip of beer or puffing a cig. And moreover, if you see a girl playing in her panties and it bothers you so much, I think it says more about your own sexual issues than the movie's.

The movie has a beautiful message about art through suffering. But it also has many other themes, among them childhood innocence and gender roles. I think even the harshest critic will agree that Dakota does an amazing job (she really just might be the greatest child actor of all time). Above all I enjoyed the film's beautiful cinematography & color palate - calm blues and soft browns and dusty yellows throughout. The night scenes with the fireflies are especially magical.

To be honest, I was very amazed, shocked and surprised. I didn't have a lot of expectations from this film, but after a few glimpses, I realized its always good not to have any expectations at all, because when you get more than expected, you feel good. This film is one gem of a film. Its very rare you come across a strong and different film like this. Dakota is very daring, very matured young lady, she gives a very smart performence, I have really started to adore her. Her chemistry with her father (played by David Morse) in the film is excellent. The film will steal your breath and heart away. I now really see that 2008 definately has some really good films to offer, the rape scene I believe was quite natural, it was quite valid for the theme of the film. This film is excellent in every sence, not so often is a film with so much perfection knocks at your tv screen. Beautifull locations of the South, wonderfull performences make the film excellent. I consider myself to own the DVD. Definately worth a watch.

What a great movie! Dakota did a wonderful job in this role. I can't believe another reviewer gave this gem a 1 STAR rating because of the "insinuated" rape scene. I thought it was handled very well, as there was no actual touching on screen AT ALL. Geesh, the rape scene in "The Entity" was much more graphic than this lol! I'm sure rape was a common thing back in the 60's in the deep, rural south and went unreported most of the time. It adds stark realism to the story, and I'm glad the writer, director & producer Deborah Kampmeier (yes, a woman) didn't sterilize it into another typical Hollywood Movie Machine film that conforms to what a bunch of no-brainers want to be bored by. This is definitely one of my favorite films so far this year.

If you watched this film and found it even slightly erotic, then I would suggest that you cancel your Sears catalog because, in comparison, the Sears catalog will likely send you into orgasmic convulsions. I truly don't understand some of the negative reviews; the "underwear scenes" were not in the least bit revealing, unless you consider Mormon underwear erotic (and I live in Utah). There were NO scenes that showed Ms. Fanning in her underwear that were not germane to the story, and even in those circumstances, you will not find them to be the least bit erotic unless you are helplessly and hopelessly attracted to baggy cotton undies. Truly, if those reviewers who found this to be be erotic ACTUALLY WATCHED this film, my recommendation to them would be to lock their doors and avoid ANY of the following: Sears catalogs, Macy's advertisements, WalMart flyers, etc. They will quite possibly find National Geographic to be fatally sexual. Now for the film. This was a beautiful depiction of poverty in the deep south (but it could have been anywhere) and it's affect on those who must live with it. Piper Laurie seems almost to have reprised her CARRIE role as a Bible thumping caretaker, placing her religious beliefs over her acceptance of her daughter. Dakota is a young girl who finds music, specifically Elvis, to be her escape from her life. She is betrayed by her best friend and ends up in a situation that she neither asks for nor can control as she tries to get tickets to an Elvis concert that she wants to attend. The "horrific" rape scene that has upset some shows a closeup of Dakota Fanning's head and hand.... nothing more. The scene is truly horrific, however, as it occurs in real life more often than we would like to admit. The ramifications for Dakota and others are depicted in their brutal detail, and the ending is both tragic and hopeful. The symbolism of snakes and the role of African-Americans in the film may be a bit over the top and stereotypical, but not so much as to be distracting. I would have liked to have seen more of the reactions of some of the supporting characters, but there is a limit to what you can do in the time allotted. If you are looking for light entertainment, do not watch this film. If, on the other hand, you like to be challenged and find thought provoking films worth watching, then you should definitely watch Hounddog.

Having grown up in the deep South in the 60's - this film hit hard. Disturbingly realistic on the racial differences, poverty issues and the vast difference between the privileged wealthy keeping up appearances and the poverty trapped individuals trying to merely survive. Dakota is amazing - as was her character in the movie. The rape scene was most disturbing - mainly in the fact that as a survivor of same, it was horrific to watch - even though a movie - very real and happening to young girls in her character's situation to this day. To see her trust and innocense taken away so violently was sickening - but real. That scene had little to do with sexuality - only her enthusiasm for Elvis pelvis music and her soul connecting with the music had to do with her sexuality. The rape - was/is a violent crime of POWER and CONTROL aganinst the body and spirit. The most amazing part of the movie was the healing power of her black friend that played the blues - he was awesome. I was fortunate enough to have some black people in my life that helped raise me and gave me more exposure to soul than my white family. I cried and cheered at the scene where he lifted her depleted little body wrought with the evil attack on her and lifted her up physically and brought her lifeless body to wail out that deep lifesucking angst out with song. He was pure soul - thank god for the revival of the spirit. People/Life/poverty/circumstance can beat you down to no end - but the spirit can rise above the worst kinds of circumstance and violence against the self. Dakota was off the chart amazing in her character in this film. In spite of the horrible circumstances life dealt her, she was a loyal and obedient daughter and granddaughter - unlike most juvenile delinquents running around today. She held on to her comittments until she had enough of the killing of her spirit - and finally chose Life. Absolutely powerful.

I really think Dakota Fanning should have been nominated for an Oscar for this movie. She did an absolutely fantastic job. As for the rape scene, it was not graphic at all. It only seems extreme due to Dakota's great acting skills. This was a great movie

This movie delivered as far as Dakotas acting is concerned. Somewhere after 2 years old this girl aquired some serious acting skills. The supporting cast also. Having lived in the Mid-west and the South, there was so much authenticity about this movie. Someone really did their home work. It put me back in a time of my life that was both refreshing and disturbing. Heres the the problem for me.
They banned this movie in the USA from playing. Which is one of the reasons I wanted to see it. I wanted to see what was the big deal. Art imitates life. So I watched, and I watched and the things that I saw, that could have been the reason for it not showing were implied at best. Thats what I didnt get. Even what could have been the most problematic parts of this presentation were implied!
I dont get the industry. They allow other things to be shown literally (ie.. "Broke Back Mountain", "Y tu mama tambien" etc.) Yet they ban this over what they implied and didnt even show.
I feel this was an attempt to protect Dakota Fanning at all cost. Which for that reason because we all have watched her grow up I can accept. Was the eveidence there? No. Is what they implied in the movie serious? Very. Would I have paid to go see it? No. This movie should have been on HBO or Showtime based on the story which was hollow, but the Box office? No. I hope this helps.

Dakota Fanning is one of those rare talents that comes along once in a generation. How many 12-year-old girls can carry the principal role in a movie, without being upstaged by the likes of Piper Laurie, David Morse, Robin Wright Penn and Afemo Omilanmi? This movie has all of the ingredients of one that you will love. The story line is deep and complex, and Penn turns in a tight performance as a woman with a troubled past, who feels a strong emotional connection with Lewellen. The unqualified star of the show, however, is Fanning, whose portrayal of a young girl on the cusp of exploring her sexuality, and struggling to understand her place in the world, is nothing short of stunning. The context provided by the south of the 1950s dishes up some great explorations of racial undertones and incestuous subplots. Morse, always reliable, is convincing as a tyrant, of course, but also as a physically and mentally compromised parent. If you're a fan of Fanning, this is a must-see.

Hounddog starring Dakota Fanning was the film that was panned by critics but I found this coming-of-age drama very poigant. Fanning is the best child actor since Jodie Foster. Robin Wright Penn also stars and she is an amazing actress as well. The much talked about rape scene is not graphic, no nudity is shown especially since Dakota was only 12 at the time. Fanning's character is obsessed with Elvis Presley, through his music - she finds solace and then loses her fragile grip on reality. Slowly but surely she is healed and learns to find her voice again. Heartbreaking story but one worth telling.

Dakota Fanning's great in this movie. She portrayed a normal little girl growing up in tough circumstances. As a viewer, you can't help but admire her. In conclusion, I'd love to curb-stomp that disease-faced milkman. *Peace*