After serving time in prison, Lang (Eddie Peng) returns to his hometown. As the story unfolds, we get some insight into what led to his incarceration, as well as exploring his strained relationship with his father, who works at a zoo, and learning that he once held a prominent position within the community as part of a popular local band. With the Beijing Olympics (2008) approaching, there's considerable pressure from the government to improve the area – which means significant changes for those living on the edge of the Gobi desert. Much of the town is slated for demolition, and with most of its character already gone, authorities focus on a pressing issue: hundreds of feral dogs roaming around, potentially spreading rabies. A particularly scrawny black dog carries a bounty of 1000 Yuan, becoming Lang’s target. However, this dog isn't easily caught and quickly turns the tables, initiating chases and bites. One awkward incident results in both being confined to his home under quarantine, where a bond begins to form, and we also understand how much animosity some people hold toward him. With demolition crews constantly present, his father’s zoo can no longer care for its animals, and the vengeful butcher “Hu” (Hu Xiaoguang) and his men are seeking retribution, we become invested in this developing friendship. The plot follows a familiar path at times, but it's Peng’s largely wordless performance against a backdrop of constant wind, dust, and trains passing through the increasingly desolate town that gives the film some impact. It isn't necessarily about the Olympics being the reason for the town's clearing, although director Hu Guan clearly has that in mind; rather, it questions why a settlement ever existed in such an unforgiving location. The atmosphere is bleak and desolate, like a concrete island in the middle of nowhere, and this setting effectively portrays Lang as lonely, detached, both emotionally and physically adrift. It's a deliberate pace, but not tedious, lasting two hours, and it quite successfully captures a sense of everyday monotony, limited prospects, and a longing for genuine freedom. Don’t expect a lot to happen – but I did find it enjoyable.

Source on TMDB