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Sobaka is a 2008 independent film directed by Matthew Ross. It tells the story of a sorry musician, Jack, who is addicted to drugs and alcohol, living a meaningless existence in Moscow. Jack experiences a life-changing event when he is mugged by a group of thugs who steal his only guitar, and he is left for dead in a dark alley. As Jack tries to make sense of the violent ordeal, he unexpectedly finds himself befriending a stray dog who he names Sobaka. Jack and Sobaka's bond grows stronger as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, providing Jack with an unexpected sense of purpose and salvation.

Parallel to Jack's story are the lives of two other characters: Viktor, a wealthy businessman, and his hired thug, Aleksey. Viktor, who is mourning the death of his wife, seeks solace in alcohol and escorts, while simultaneously struggling to keep his criminal organization afloat as Aleksey's reckless behavior endangers the operation.

As these three lives intersect, the film delves into themes of addiction, redemption, and the search for meaning within a seemingly hopeless world. Boris Kievsky delivers a powerful performance as Jack, perfectly capturing the despair and hopelessness that plagues his character, while Murat Han gives a chilling portrayal of Aleksey, the unpredictable and violent enforcer.

The film's cinematography is stunning, with scenes of Moscow's gritty underbelly effectively capturing the film's themes of darkness and despair. The use of handheld camera work lends the film an urgent and frenetic pace, while the soundtrack, a mixture of traditional Russian music and contemporary tracks, adds to the film's tone of cultural duality and disorientation.

Overall, Sobaka is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that delves into the complexities of the human condition. Matt Ross skillfully weaves together the lives of his characters, creating a tapestry of loneliness, addiction, and desperation, ultimately revealing a glimpse of hope and redemption in the bleakest of circumstances.

SOBAKA is a 2008 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.