Heart of a Dog is a Soviet black and white science fiction film that was directed by Vladimir Bortko. The movie was released in 1988 and was based on a novel of the same name by Mikhail Bulgakov.
The story follows the life of a stray dog named Sharik who lives on the streets of Moscow. Sharik is taken in by a renowned surgeon, Professor Preobrazhensky, who installs a human hypophysis in the dog's brain. The experiment is successful, and Sharik begins to exhibit human-like traits, including bipedal movement, speech, and advanced intelligence.
As Sharik transforms into a man, he struggles to adjust to human society. He is plagued by violent outbursts and a desire to return to the freedom of his dog-like existence. Meanwhile, Professor Preobrazhensky begins to regret his decision to conduct the experiment as he realizes that his creation may be more monster than man.
The film is a satirical critique of the Soviet Union and its leaders, disguised as a whimsical science fiction story. The transformation of Sharik into a human represents the flawed Soviet ideal of creating a "new man," while the moral implications of the experiment raise questions about the ethics of scientific advancement.
Heart of a Dog is considered a classic of Soviet cinema and has been praised for its witty dialogue, clever social commentary, and cutting-edge special effects. It remains a popular and thought-provoking film to this day.