Sleeping Dogs Poster

Sleeping Dogs 1977

★ 5.645 votes107 min📅 1977-10-06

"What happens when you're hunted...and there's no place to run!"

In Roger Donaldson's gripping thriller *Sleeping Dogs (1977)*, a reclusive New Zealander known only as Smith finds himself ensnared in the violent crossfire of a brutal political conflict.

Director: Roger Donaldson

Cast

Sam Neill
Sam Neill
Smith
Warren Oates
Warren Oates
Col. Willoughby
Ian Mune
Ian Mune
Bullen
Ian Watkin
Ian Watkin
Dudley
William Johnson
William Johnson
Cousins
Davina Whitehouse
Elsie
Nevan Rowe
Gloria
Clyde Scott
Jesperson
Donna Akersten
Donna Akersten
Mary
Don Selwyn
Taupiri

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sleeping Dogs (1977) about?

The film follows Smith, a reclusive man pulled into the violent struggle between guerrillas and right-wing forces in New Zealand. After being framed for murder, he becomes a target on all sides, forcing him to navigate a world where trust is a luxury he can't afford.

Who directed Sleeping Dogs?

Roger Donaldson directed this politically charged thriller, marking one of his early feature films that would later define his career in cinema.

Who stars in Sleeping Dogs?

Sam Neill headlines the cast alongside Warren Oates, with Ian Mune, Ian Watkin, and Davina Whitehouse rounding out the key performances in this intense drama.

Is Sleeping Dogs (1977) worth watching?

While it lacks an IMDb rating, *Sleeping Dogs* stands out as a gritty, thought-provoking thriller that blends political intrigue with high-stakes action. Fans of 1970s dramas and morally complex narratives will find it a compelling watch, especially for its atmospheric tension and strong performances.

How long is Sleeping Dogs?

The film runs for 107 minutes, offering a tightly paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

🎥 Trailer

About Sleeping Dogs (1977) — A Revolutionary Thriller Rooted in Political Conflict

In Roger Donaldson's gripping thriller *Sleeping Dogs (1977)*, a reclusive New Zealander known only as Smith finds himself ensnared in the violent crossfire of a brutal political conflict. Framed for murder and labeled a revolutionary sympathizer, he's hunted by both right-wing militias and leftist guerrillas, leaving him trapped in a deadly game where survival depends on evading capture or taking sides. As factions clash in a landscape charged with tension, Smith's struggle embodies the peril of neutrality in a world consumed by ideological warfare.

Starring Sam Neill in his breakout role alongside the legendary Warren Oates, *Sleeping Dogs* delivers a raw, atmospheric exploration of moral ambiguity and the cost of resistance. Blending the grit of political dramas with the relentless pace of a thriller, the film immerses viewers in a story where every shadow hides a threat and every choice could be fatal. With its stark New Zealand setting and unflinching portrayal of revolution, this 1977 classic remains a haunting reflection on violence and oppression.