Cinemavore -- 'My Life As a Dog'

"You have to compare all the time."

I rarely connect with a statement as much as I do this one. Regardless of age, background or circumstance, things could always be worse. And if they can't be worse for you, it's because you're already dead. These are the thoughts of Ingemar, the troubled 12-year-old in the 1985 Swedish film "My Life As a Dog."

I first watched this movie on video when I was about 16. What intrigues me most is that the things I felt were somewhat scandalous over a quarter-century ago, I feel the same about today. I'm referencing a few scenes that really deal with coming of age that are still not something I feel comfortable watching as an adult. And, I struggle with the thought of my two young sons when they reach adolescence. It's really a minor part of the film though.

The real story is of a young boy, Ingemar, whose mother is quite ill. He wants to stay by her side, but as an average 12-year-old, his antics are too much for a single parent struggling with tuberculosis. He believes his mother will see the joy in the fun he's having, but it's simply a drain on her. When she's no longer able to care for him, Ingemar heads off to stay with his aunt and uncle in Smaland, a small town where most everyone works in the glassmaking hot shop.

Nearly every character there leaves a lasting impression on the young boy. He's quite fond of one of the women working in the glass shop, as are all of the men. She trusts him, though, which is more than she can say for the others. The real bond, however, is between Ingemar and a tomboy named Saga. She does have feelings for him but can't show it; she plays soccer and enjoys boxing with the boys. Her young friend knows the real truth, but wouldn't tell anyone regardless of the fact that she frequently beats him up in the ring.

He really doesn't mind much about any of the issues he faces at a young age. He realizes it could be worse. Throughout the film, he recollects the dog Laika, sent up in a Sputnik so the pressures of being in space could be tested before sending up humans. As you question the thought of this, I should mention the film takes place in the 1950s. He knows the dog didn't want to be up there, but had no choice. He feels the same about what's happening to him.

My final words on the film are about the subtitles. Normally, I'm not a big fan of foreign cinema, not because I don't like to read subtitles but because I feel like you lose something in the translation, or the passion of their speech. The script is minimal here, so you miss very little. Even if you did ... things could be worse.

* Ryan Messer has worked for years in local television and theater. He has contributed movie trivia to the On magazine Facebook page and displays a knowledge of cinema arcana that is just short of disturbing.