"Loyalty has a scent. And it smells like rebellion."
Isle of Dogs - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I bite.
— Chief
Context:
Chief says this to Atari early in their encounter when the boy first attempts to show him affection by petting him. It establishes the initial conflict and emotional distance between the two central characters.
Meaning:
This is Chief's simple, recurring declaration of his identity as a stray. It's a warning, a defense mechanism, and a summary of his worldview shaped by a hard life. It signifies his resistance to being tamed or controlled by humans.
Will you help him, the little pilot?
— Nutmeg
Context:
Nutmeg asks Chief this after he has initially refused to help Atari find Spots. Her gentle persuasion, combined with Chief's attraction to her, plays a significant role in his decision to join the quest.
Meaning:
Nutmeg's question serves as a moral appeal to Chief. By framing Atari as a "little pilot" and reminding Chief that "dogs love those," she challenges his hardened cynicism and appeals to a more instinctual, compassionate canine nature. It's a key moment that pushes Chief toward his eventual alliance with Atari.
Whatever happened to man's best friend? Falling spring blossom.
— Atari Kobayashi
Context:
Atari recites this poem to Mayor Kobayashi during the public ceremony where the dogs are meant to be exterminated. The poem triggers the Mayor's change of heart and is the turning point that leads to the salvation of the dogs.
Meaning:
This haiku, delivered at the film's climax, encapsulates the central theme of lost loyalty and the beauty of the human-animal bond. It's an artistic and emotional appeal that transcends political rhetoric and scientific data, directly targeting Mayor Kobayashi's buried empathy and sense of honor.