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Action drama

Savage Dog (2017): Cast & Ratings

Savage Dog (2017) movie poster

Savage Dog is a 2017 action drama directed by Jesse V. Johnson, starring Keith David, Scott Adkins and Cung Le. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and was made on a reported $4 million budget. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.0/10.

IMDb rating
5.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
71%
Echo Score
55
budget
$4M
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Savage Dog (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Director
Jesse V. Johnson
Genres
Action , Drama
Original language
English
Budget
$4M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Savage Dog About?

The premise of Savage Dog without spoilers.

In 1959 Indochina, a lawless frontier town is controlled by ruthless warlords and exiled European criminals. Martin Tilman, a former boxing champion, is imprisoned in the notorious Den-Dhin-Chan Labor Camp where he fights for survival. As freedom appears possible, corruption and violence shatter his hopes, forcing him on a brutal quest for revenge against the five men responsible for destroying everything he values.

Savage Dog Themes & Keywords

· 11 tags
  • legend
  • decapitation
  • dismemberment
  • exploding head
  • sweating
  • bare knuckle fighting
  • savate
  • nazi
  • fascist
  • low budget film
  • 1950s
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Cast & crew

Savage Dog Cast

Keith David leads the cast, with Scott Adkins and Cung Le. Directed by Jesse V. Johnson; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Jesse V. Johnson

More films directed by Jesse V. Johnson, best-rated first: The Debt Collector, Triple Threat, White Elephant and One Ranger.

Full filmography
Ratings

Savage Dog Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Savage Dog 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 55/100, strongest in art & craft (60) and weakest in story & flow (30).

55 /100

Savage Dog Echo Score Breakdown

Savage Dog delivers robust action sequences but struggles with narrative coherence. While the film’s physical confrontations and retro visual style have been widely praised for their energetic execution, critiques have noted persistent issues with plot logic and pacing that delay engagement. Technical shortcomings in lighting and prop realism further undermine the viewing experience. Despite strong performances in combat choreography and a fitting musical backdrop, the thin storyline limits its appeal outside the core action audience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art direction and cinematography, Savage Dog exhibits competent visuals punctuated by occasional technical inconsistencies. Critics have commended Gabriel Gely’s framing and the film’s homage to vintage action palettes, while viewers pointed out uneven lighting choices and unconvincing prop effects. Though the production design supports the genre aesthetic effectively, sporadic lapses in realism diminish its visual cohesion.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    In terms of character and emotional impact, Savage Dog centers on Scott Adkins’ intense physical presence but offers limited depth elsewhere. Reviewers highlight his convincing combat portrayal and solid ensemble work, yet point to stilted dialogue and minimal emotional resonance. As a result, characters function primarily as vehicles for action rather than fully developed personalities, reducing investment in their arcs.

  • Story & Flow 30

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, Savage Dog struggles with a thin narrative that delays audience engagement. Multiple critiques note logical inconsistencies and an overreliance on genre clichés, while attempts at tension build-up often feel belated and uneven. Though occasional bursts of momentum arise during action set pieces, the overarching storyline remains underdeveloped, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In terms of sensory experience, Savage Dog delivers energetic action sequences and a fitting, unobtrusive score that resonate with genre enthusiasts. Critics praise the choreographed combat and retro soundtrack cues, but viewers cite erratic lighting effects and unconvincing gore props as distractions. The balance of engaging sound design and stylized visuals provides intermittent excitement despite occasional technical shortcomings.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    In terms of rewatch value, Savage Dog offers satisfying action beats for dedicated genre fans but limited appeal for broader audiences. Reviewers note that repeated viewings highlight well-executed fight choreography and nostalgic style, yet the sparse narrative and shallow character work undercut motivation to revisit. Consequently, the film maintains modest replay value primarily within its niche.

Videos

Savage Dog Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Savage Dog.

Official Trailer
Cars

Cars in Savage Dog

1 car on screen: the Willys MB 'Jeep'.

  • Willys MB 'Jeep' in Savage Dog Willys MB 'Jeep' Important role
Details

Savage Dog Also Known As

24 alternative titles, including “Dolle Hond” and “인도차이나의 전설”.

Also known as
  • Dolle Hond
  • 인도차이나의 전설
  • Chien Sauvage
  • L’affrontement
  • Rozzúrený pes
  • Rozzuřený pes
  • Дикий пёс
  • Câine de luptă
  • Диво куче
  • Perro salvaje
  • Wściekły Pies
  • Cão Selvagem
+12 more
  • Bevadulva
  • Chien sauvage (Savage Dog)
  • Kanunsuz Topraklarda
  • L'affrontement
  • כלב פראי
  • Дикий пес
  • Savage dog 2017
  • Zběsilá pomsta
  • คืนเดือดคนคลั่ง
  • 流浪狗
  • Savage Dog - Il selvaggio
  • Chó Hoang

Seen Savage Dog?

FAQ

Savage Dog FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of Savage Dog, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Savage Dog?

Savage Dog runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Savage Dog released?

Savage Dog was released on August 4, 2017.

Who directed Savage Dog?

Savage Dog was directed by Jesse V. Johnson.

More films by Jesse V. Johnson

Who is in the cast of Savage Dog?

Savage Dog stars Keith David, Scott Adkins and Cung Le, among 10 credited actors.

What was the budget of Savage Dog?

Savage Dog had a reported budget of $4 million.

How is Savage Dog rated?

Savage Dog has 5.0/10 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53% on TMDB and 2.8/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Savage Dog have a post-credit scene?

No. Savage Dog has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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