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Poster for My Life as a Dog

My Life as a Dog

Seen it?

1985 | 102 min | Drama, Comedy

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved About Schmidt, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Swedish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A boy, obsessed with comparing himself with those less fortunate, experiences a different life at the home of his aunt and uncle in 1959 Sweden.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Golden Globe: 45th Golden Globe Awards: Best Foreign Language Film. Won 1 Independent Spirit Award: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Foreign Film. Also nominated for 1 BAFTA and 1 DGA Award. Plus 11 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $8 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 59K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Lasse Hallström

  • Anton GlanzeliusIngemar Johansson
  • Tomas von BrömssenIngemar's Uncle Gunnar
  • Anki LidénIngemar's Mother
  • Melinda KinnamanSaga
  • Kicki RundgrenGunnar's Wife Ulla
  • Lennart HjulströmThe Artist
  • Ing-Marie CarlssonBerit
  • Leif EricsonUncle Sandberg
  • Christina CarlwindMrs. Sandberg
  • Ralph CarlssonHarry