Thoughts on Netflix Dogs: Ice on the water

Dogs- Ice on the water is a subtle lively story about Alessandro- a fisherman in a small town of Italy, and his dog- Ice. They share a special bond, as Ice is not just Alessandro's pet but also his trurstworthy companion in the fishing boat. Setting in two different tones: one is the breezing, calming, nurturing nature, the other is the warm lively feel of human, the story demonstrated an uniquely interdependent and thoughtful relationship between a man and dog, in the brink of a change that may affect their fishing tradition. It also slightly adjust the contrast betweet staying with the norm good old tradition and going out explore the world; as well as the right attitude human should have toward the generosity of mother nature.



The name- Ice on the water itself speaks about Ice's working on a lake as a watchman. His job is to spot any errors or obstacles so that his owner can feel secure to catch fish. Everyday, they went on the lake together dispite the changing weather. Always standing straight and focusing on his missions, Ice is responsible and helpful. Alessandro stated that "Ice is always concentrating when he's on boat. One time, there was an enormous Zander fish, I didn't see it but he saw it, and he started barking and i was able to catch the prize". On the other hand, Ice is playful and nature loving. He enjoys the every small bit of surrounding nature as he is a part of it, being blessed by it. He happily plays with snow, dawn in the spring's warm sunshine, enjoys walking in the forest while feeling the every small movement of living things around. Furthermore, Ice is also an essential part of the family. He joins the dining table, pricks his ears to hear every conversation of the family; dances with people under cheerful music, lying down peacefully watching them dancing and smiling; stands in front of restaurant while the rest are preparing for a new day in a morning breeze. He seems to be greatly and deliberately engaged in the emotion as well as the atmosphere of people giving the impression that the dog is a mature, friendly and considerate dog.

Alessandro is commited to his career as a fisherman in the small hometown, which comes from both his love for the nature and his family tradition. Fishing also serves as an emotional connection toward his beloved deceased father, who taught him to how to fish. His life path as a fisherman might have to stop for two reasons: the decrease in fish populations and his children's decision on their future. As for the former challenge, the effort to regrow fish populations seems to be positive, while the later one is more difficult to solve. However, he is such a concerned father so not to force the kids to follow his will to stay with family business. He understands that this is their life and he would respect their choice, which, in my opinion, is one of the most generous and worth- appropriating decision that parents can make for their kids. He does the same with Ice: if Ice doesn't want to work on that day, he will let him rest because he doesn't want to force Ice to go fishing with him. He wants Ice to enjoy. Alessandro deeply considers Ice's emotion, proving that he truly regards Ice as one of his respected, dearing friends other than a pet.

Therefore, i think their relationship is based on mutual-understanding and deeply-caring to each other. Ice is always sitting next to Alessandro in the dining table, putting his paws on Alessandro's arm when he needs petting, which indicates that he's attached to Alessandro than any other members of the family. When Alessandro put chamomile side on Ice's eyes, i can feel the warmth from his tender, careful gesture and voice toward Ice. Moreover, he also decided to upgrade the boat for no other reason than the sake of his buddy's not getting cold. It is always wholesome and peaceful to witness their friendship, as in the times that everything seems to be exaggeratedly colorful and monumental; simple, sincere acts of caring are indeedly, truly speaks something.

The story also potrayed a bewildered period of the young standing in front a big life decision with uncertainty ahead. Gaia and Yuri, Alessandro's children are both strongly associated with their family restaurant, and enjoy being a part of it. However, young people's heart is often set up at exotic places with new challenges and experience. It is a difficult decision for both of them, to choose between the intimacy that has been nurturing their soul since ever and the urge to be free and be someone new. As for the younger brother, there is another challenge that despite having been familiar with working in the restaurant, going out fishing is totally new for him; and he wondered if it's suitable for him, if he would enjoy and be capable of doing it like his dad. As a youngster who always struggle in life-decision myself, i can totally sympathize with them. On the other hand, it is also sad to see if the old precious tradition has to be stopped one day. I guess the dilemma is common in any places around the world, in this ever-changing modern day making it harder to keep fire for the old but gold tradition.

Moreover, it gently awares us that we must have an appropriate attitude toward the nature. Much beautiful as the lake is, its fish populations is significant falling due to over exploitation of local fisherman. There is a lesson for everybody after seeing the frustration of those fishermen after a hardworking day with little fish caught. As it is said in the show "a good fisherman should know how to take care of his resources without harming other or the lake", people have to take care of the natural habitat that mother gives us to feed our life. The beautiful nutritious resources will not be stock forever under the extra rash, neglectful exploitation of human beings.



One aspect of the document that i fancy is the music. It matches perfectly with the tone of a unhurriedly and joyful European town and delivers the story in a much clearer, more lively way. Especially in parts involved with preparing food, the fine music makes the chronic rhythm of kitchen works more feelable, brings out the small sparks of joy of the family members' heart, helps creating the right tone of an intimate tradition family restaurant. I like the way that the music is played out for almost parts of the story, whereas they touches on different scenes and feelings, it came out with consistency and a nice overall impression.

At the end of the story, the kids still left their decision unmade, suggesting an open- ending. But there is one certain thing: Alessandro has made up his my mind that he would continue fishing and running the restaunrant for the time being, as long as he gets help from his friends and family (of course, the friendly-mascot Ice is also included). In Ice's dream potrayed in the story, he ran from the familiar alleys of his home street, across the tunnel, into the harbor where he stood there for a while, watching his lovely lake sparkling under the night neon light, seeing his reflection on the blue water, then dipped his body into the lake, gently felt the chilling breeze of the water with duck friends, which somehow depicts that Ice loves and strongly connected with the lake, he's happy with Alessandro's decision and willing to continue being a dearing companion of Alessandro. The show ends with the two standing on their boat as usual; Alessandro suggested he buy a new one with roof for Ice so that they can be this way for a longer time.

#perspective #outlook #newlife