Dog of Flanders

A Parent's Guide to Anime
Rated: G

Suitable for Family Viewing

Reviewed by Fred Wilson:

This is a motion picture remake of Nippon Animation's 1975 World Masterpiece theatre TV series. Based on a English novel by Ouida, the story takes place in early 19th century Belgium. A powerful and touching family film about a young boy, Nello's passionate pursuit of his dream, to become a great painter like Reubens. He lives with his grandfather and they make a living delivering milk to the local townspeople. Dirt poor and unable to read or write, Nello has inherited the gift for art from his late mother, and enjoys drawing portraits of his best friend, Aloise. A lot of hardships face young Nello later on in the film as he tries his best to become a great artist. If Disney were to create an animated film like this. They would totally change the ending around since the actual ending is pretty upsetting.

Parent's Guide Rating:

green (suitable for family viewing)

The only thing I see about this film that might confuse young children is the mentioning of death.

This video contains nothing that will offend parents or keep them from allowing their children to view this film.

Additional Comment by Rosalyn Hunter:

***** SPOILER WARNING!! *****

In this story, the little boy and his dog die. I don't think that the warning before adequately reflected how depressing this movie really is. I cried my eyes out.

Editorial note: The North American release of Dog of Flanders has been cut in the dub VHS and DVD versions. The subbed VHS version is intact and true to the original.