The movie, “A Dog of Flanders,” (1999, Kevin Brodie), isn’t so much about a dog as it is about a little boy named Nello. Nello is extremely poor, but dreams of becoming a great artist like his idol, the famous painter, Rubens. He lives with his grandfather, as his mother has passed away, and he does not know his father. His best friend is the daughter of a Miller, who is very concerned about poverty, and tries his best to encourage his daughter to seek less company with Nello. On the face of it the story is a bit charming, but it is probably better suited for a ten year old audience than for adults. There is a bit of a twist at the end, but it seems a bit silly and overblown. I liked this movie when I first saw it. I was quite a bit younger than I am now. I think I somehow overlooked the flaws I found in it upon a repeat viewing. The biggest flaw is that while it seems clear that the writer was trying to make Nello a bit insecure, as well as kind, he comes off more as a moron in some places. Near the end of the film he goes out into near blizzard conditions, by himself, with little weather appropriate attire after having been invited to stay, and told not to go, by Alloise’s Mother. If I had been her I would have tied him up to make him stay. In any case, while Nello may be good at drawing and painting he’s a total idiot when it comes to basic common sense and survival skills. I just didn’t feel too sorry for him when the lack of these important traits caused him problems. I felt more sorry for the other people around him who had to take care of him. So overall, the movie is okay, but it fails to hit the correct note of sympathy when it comes to the main character, because of his blandness and general haplessness. Even a kid should know not to go out into a snow storm, alone, especially when he’s just been told by an adult who he knows cares for him, that he should stay with her.
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