Watch Mondo Cane

Mondo Cane is a documentary-style film that explores various cultures and practices from around the world. The title, which translates to "Dog's World," reflects how the film depicts the bizarre and at times brutal behavior of humans across the planet. Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a journey across the world to experience different customs, religions, and lifestyles that might seem unusual or even repulsive to those unfamiliar with them. The narration is in Italian, but the documentary features a wealth of footage from all over the world that makes for a captivating viewing experience.

The film is divided into multiple vignettes that capture a range of scenes and experiences. For instance, one vignette captures the passion for animal welfare that exists in some cultures, while another shows the brutal treatment of animals in others. Another part explores the bizarre and sometimes grotesque ways some cultures choose to prepare and eat food.

Despite its sometimes disturbing subject matter, Mondo Cane manages to retain a level of detachment that prevents it from becoming overly sensationalized or exploitative. Instead, it presents its subject matter in a neutral and objective manner that allows the audience to draw their own conclusions.

One of the most unique features of the film is its soundtrack which is composed by Riz Ortolani and Nino Oliviero. The score is a mix of traditional orchestral music and popular songs of the time, including a catchy tune that became an international hit called "More." The score adds a poignant and melancholic feel to many of the scenes in the movie, which intensifies the impact of the images on the screen.

Some of the most memorable scenes in the movie include the ritualized celebration of death in New Guinea and the bizarre practice of thalassotherapy, or seawater therapy, in Italy. In New Guinea, the film depicts a traditional celebration where an entire community comes together to mourn and grieve over the death of a loved one. The ritual is intense and includes actions like the hacking off of fingers in grief. Meanwhile, in Italy, the film shows people relaxing in seaweed baths and indulging in the alleged healing properties of seawater.

Although Mondo Cane was criticized by many for its voyeuristic attitude towards foreign cultures, it is important to remember that the film was made at a time when travel and exploration were still in their infancy. The film was intended to be informative and educational, and on this level, it succeeds. The film remains captivating to this day, offering an insight into cultures and practices that might be entirely unknown to a modern-day viewer.

In conclusion, Mondo Cane is a thought-provoking documentary that manages to provide an objective and unbiased view of the world. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it remains a significant cultural artifact that offers a window into an era where exploration was still in its infancy. With a hauntingly beautiful score, stunning cinematography, and often bizarre subject matter, Mondo Cane is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the richness of human diversity.

Mondo Cane is a 1962 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.