In an instant, his closest companion was lost forever. The life that now awaits him is an emotional journey, to say the least.
The heartfelt coming-of-age film "Max" revolves around its eponymous subject, a military service dog whose handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Because of his deep bond with Kyle and the emotional trauma he underwent, Max cannot be paired with another Marine. Instead, he is adopted by Kyle's grieving family. Kyle's younger bother, Justin, must adjust to this new family member while coming to terms with the loss of his older brother. What follows is a tumultuous journey in which priorities are shifted, relationships are negotiated, and the true meaning of heroism is redefined.
According to the film's website, Max is a "precision-trained military dog," which means that he has undergone extensive obedience lessons in addition to nose detection and protection training. This sort of rigorous training requires impeccable discipline, both on the part of the canine and the handler. Surprisingly, this sort of training program isn't restricted to specific dog breeds. Alexandria Dog Training, a reputable K-9 training institution in Virginia that caters to military and police working dogs, claims to have "trained dogs from 7lb Min Pins up through 'George,' who was the 2012 winner at Westminster for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed." In other words, what matters most is the dog's intelligence and tenacity, not necessarily its size. What makes these precision-trained dogs all the more valuable is their fierce loyalty and the irreplaceable bond they share with their handlers.
Watch this gripping trailer in the video below, and be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments section. Will you watch this film?