Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs

Year: 1977

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: English

Director: Roger Donaldson

ThrillerActionDrama

When a reclusive man named Smith finds himself hunted with nowhere to run, he is pulled into a violent clash between guerrilla fighters and right‑wing extremists in New Zealand. Framed for murder and labeled a revolutionary conspirator, Smith clings to a philosophy of non‑violence while trapped between the warring factions.

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Timeline & Setting – Sleeping Dogs (1977)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sleeping Dogs (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Coromandel Peninsula island, New Zealand

A quiet, coastal island off New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula, owned by a Māori tribe. It provides a peaceful backdrop for Smith's initial attempt to escape urban conflict. The landscape contrasts with the turmoil unfolding on the mainland.

🌊 Coastal 🗺️ Remote 🪵 Māori-owned

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:33

Main Characters – Sleeping Dogs (1977)

Meet the key characters of Sleeping Dogs (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Smith (Sam Neill)

A man whose life fractures after his wife's affair, he longs for peaceful isolation but becomes entwined in a guerrilla conflict. Calm and resourceful, he navigates pressure with steady resolve, unwilling to become a symbol yet drawn into strategic peril.

🗺️ Island-dweller 🧭 Calm 🗡️ Resolve

Col. Willoughby (Warren Oates)

A pragmatic commander of American forces who views Smith with suspicion and moral ambiguity. He orders operations in the field and embodies the hardline stance of occupying power as the conflict escalates.

🪖 Military Authority 🎯 Strategic 😠 Strict

Bullen (Ian Mune)

A senior guerrilla leader whose determination drags Smith deeper into the rebellion. He embodies the insurgent cause and moral complexity, forcing difficult choices on those around him.

⚔️ Guerrilla Leader 🔥 Determined

Jesperson (Clyde Scott)

A police interrogator who recognizes Smith as a potential rebel leader, using coercion to extract information. His role exposes the personal betrayals and the coercive machinery of the state.

🕵️ Interrogator 💼 Bureaucrat 💀 Relentless

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:33

Major Themes – Sleeping Dogs (1977)

Explore the central themes of Sleeping Dogs (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪖 War & Power

The narrative centers on civil unrest, guerrilla warfare, and the heavy price of political power. Government crackdowns and battlefield ambushes underscore how ordinary lives are subsumed by larger strategic aims.

🏃‍♂️ Escape & Survival

Smith seeks refuge and a semblance of normalcy on the island, only to be dragged back into conflict. The story tracks his attempts to disappear, adapt, and outlive the threats around him.

🐕 Isolation & Companionship

The isolated setting amplifies the bond between Smith and his dog, illustrating how companionship can anchor a person against a collapsing society. The dog’s presence highlights themes of loyalty and resilience in tough times.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:33

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Unlock the Full Story of Sleeping Dogs

Don't stop at just watching — explore Sleeping Dogs in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Sleeping Dogs is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Sleeping Dogs Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sleeping Dogs, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Sleeping Dogs Summary

Sleeping Dogs Timeline

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Sleeping Dogs Timeline

More About Sleeping Dogs

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More About Sleeping Dogs

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