New film highlights bond between man and dog

A new film starring Brad Pitt is bringing an unusual survival story to Chinese cinemas, with a retired military officer and his dog forced to rely on each other after a plane crash leaves them stranded in the wilderness.

Heart of the Beast, produced by Paramount Pictures and directed by David Ayer, held advance screenings in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Chengdu in Sichuan province and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province on Sept 27, three days ahead of its general release on the Chinese mainland on Sept 30.

Pitt plays James Belmont, a retired Special Forces officer whose longtime companion is Odin, a highly trained military dog. After the crash, the pair find themselves alone in the wilderness, where harsh terrain and encounters with wild animals, including a brown bear and a wolf pack, put their survival skills to the test amid a series of unforeseen dangers.

Their relationship has also become a focus of early audience reactions. Many Chinese viewers were moved to tears by their interactions, with some remaining in their seats after the credits began to roll, during the previews. The screenings also attracted pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts, some of whom said the film reminded them of their relationships with their own animals.