Isle of Dogs: Cultural Appropriation, Translation and Creativity

<p>Since its debut,<em> Isle of Dogs</em> has been met with controversy over the question of the film's cultural appropriation and seemingly inexplicable setting in a future Japan. Our film critic, Justin Chang (<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinCChang?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@JustinCChang</a>), tackled this problem and eloquently asked in his review, "does this white American filmmaker's highly selective, idiosyncratic rendering of an East Asian society constitute a sincere act of homage, or a clueless failure of sensitivity?"</p><p>In response to Chang's review, and Jen Yamato's (<a href="https://twitter.com/jenyamato?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@JenYamato</a>) subsequent discussions about the film on social media, Wes Anderson critics and fans have fought tirelessly over these questions, debating the relationship between appropriation and creative freedom.</p><p>Should the movie--like the dogs in it--be sent to Trash Island? Our reporters will debate this question, with Mark Olsen (<a href="https://twitter.com/IndieFocus?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@IndieFocus</a>) moderating, on this week's episode of The Reel.</p>