The Dog of Flanders

Synopsis

Based on the classic novel by Oui'da, this film takes place in 19th Century Belgium and celebrates the touching bond between a young boy and his faithful, loyal dog. Nello lives in poverty, his only true friends his ailing Grandfather, his beloved dog Patrasch, and the young, delightful girl, Alois, who's father has forbidden to see. Nello's life is of constant hardship and sorrow, tragedy and pain. However, he is a remarkable boy full of heart and a positive attitude. However, life takes some very nasty turns and leaves Nello sick and in heartbreak. However, his beloved dog, Patrasch, remains true. Both boy and dog suffer together, trying to fight the harshness of society and relying on one another as relief for their heartfelt pains.

Personal Review

In all honesty, I have never cried so much over a film before in my life, either live action or animated. The film is told with stunning animation and gorgeous music ( the ending sequence of the film, set to the song "When I Cry" will just tear you to pieces ). When the film ended and the credits rolled- I was literally sobbing. The trials this poor boy and his dog faced and the resulting outcome of their bond and love for one another was so heart-wrenching. The sacrifice they made for one another was just so incredibly powerful and moving. I still cannot sit through this movie with dry eyes. I highly recommend this film to ANYONE, especially people who are really into that whole "the bond of a human and animal" type thing like I am. However, if you have small children that are upset by tragic storylines and tragic things happening to main characters, you might want to hold off.

Cast

Robert Loggia as Grandpa

Brady Bluim as Nello

Debby Derryberry as Alois

Lara Cody as Paul

Ryan O'Donaiiue as George

Characters

Patrasch is the very kind and loving dog that is Nello's best friend, and title character. In the film, he is represented by some kind of herding sheepdog- most likely some kind of mix. Despite bad past owner experiences, Patrasch is completely devoted to his young Master, Nello, and is main protector and friend.

Nello was the young boy orphaned very young when his mother died of an illness. Taken in by his grandfather, Nello has no complaints about the life of poverty he lives, and is dedicated to aiding his grandfather in chores and work. Misunderstood but hopeful, Nello is an aspiring artist that dreams of attending an art college.

Alois is the sweet young girl who lives down the road from Nello. Her family is rich and proper, but she thinks nothing of it and adores young Nello as her dear friend. When her father forbids her to see Nello based on his prejudice to poverty, Alois is heart broken and tries her best to see Nello against her father's wishes.
Nello's Grandfather is a sweet older man, but he is steadily growing iller and slower. Pretty soon he is unable to keep up with his work, and Nello does his best to both work his Grandfather's job as well as do household chores, and shopping.

Aside from Alois, George and Paul are Nello's only other human friends. They are brothers, and are very supportive of Nello's dream to become a schooled artist. They aid Nello on small ventures and are commonly seen around town or else the marketplace.

Screen Grabs

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Fan Contributions

Related Links

www.pioneeranimation.com

A Dog of Flanders 1975 TV Edition

Film Credits

Based on the novel by Oui'da

Directed by Yoshio Kuroda

Screenplay by Miho Maruo

Music by Taro Iwashiro

Distributed by Pioneer Animation

	Patrasch is the very kind and loving dog that is Nello's best friend, and title character. In the film, he is represented by some kind of herding sheepdog- most likely some kind of mix. Despite bad past owner experiences, Patrasch is completely devoted to his young Master, Nello, and is main protector and friend.
	Nello was the young boy orphaned very young when his mother died of an illness. Taken in by his grandfather, Nello has no complaints about the life of poverty he lives, and is dedicated to aiding his grandfather in chores and work. Misunderstood but hopeful, Nello is an aspiring artist that dreams of attending an art college.
	Alois is the sweet young girl who lives down the road from Nello. Her family is rich and proper, but she thinks nothing of it and adores young Nello as her dear friend. When her father forbids her to see Nello based on his prejudice to poverty, Alois is heart broken and tries her best to see Nello against her father's wishes.
	Nello's Grandfather is a sweet older man, but he is steadily growing iller and slower. Pretty soon he is unable to keep up with his work, and Nello does his best to both work his Grandfather's job as well as do household chores, and shopping.
	Aside from Alois, George and Paul are Nello's only other human friends. They are brothers, and are very supportive of Nello's dream to become a schooled artist. They aid Nello on small ventures and are commonly seen around town or else the marketplace.