Dog of Flanders (1999)

HISTORICAL ADVENTURE: (1999, PG) In early 19th Century Flanders, young Nello exhibits a natural talent for drawing. When a man almost beats a dog to death and leaves him, Nello and his grandfather adopt him and nurse him back to health. With grandfather’s health fading, they have difficulty in paying the rent to evil landlord Stephens. Nello meets Michel, a famous painter who encourages him. He is also in love with Eloise Cogez despite her father’s misgivings. When he delivers a birthday present to Eloise, a fire breaks out which destroys Cogez’ barn. Being suspect of starting the fire, Cogez forbids Nello to see his daughter and the town ostracizes him. After his grandfather dies, Nello sets his goal to winning a local art competition. When the mayor’s son wins, Nello finds himself homeless in winter. He finds Cogez’ lost wallet and returns it. Cogez finds out it was Stephens who set fire to his barn and goes out into the storm to find Nello. Soon the whole town searches for him. Almost freezing to death, Nello has a visitation from the spirit of Peter Paul Rubens, visits his mother, and sees his own death. He recovers and discovers he is loved. Michel admits he is Nello’s father and they are reunited.

VIOLENCE/SCARINESS: Moderate threat with knives and swords. Nello almost freezes to death. Nello’s mother dies on-screen in the opening scene. A man whips his dog. Later, when he tries to attack another man, the dog kills him. The barn fire is moderately frightening. Grandfather dies on-screen. Nello has a near-death experience where he views his own funeral.

CRIMES: Arson (U), Adultery (U).

MORALS, ISSUES & VALUES: Grandfather tells Nello to listen to his dead mother with his heart. Everyone treats Nello and his grandfather kindly. Love and kindness heal the dog. Nello loves and cares for his grandfather and fears his impending death. Nello doesn’t go to school and later suffers from his illiteracy. He is polite, positive, honest, and passionate. Grandfather tells Nello never to hate, never to lower one’s self to that level. A priest must be bribed to show a painting. Nello must deal with Eloise’s father, who despises poverty. Eloise’s father tries to protect her. A greedy landlord unjustly accuses Nello. According to the film: Money doesn’t lead to happiness. True talent is a gift from God. Honesty is rewarded. Dreams and talents should be pursued. Genius is not restricted to any economic class. The first step to winning is believing you can win. Great men and their deeds always live on. Art lives beyond men’s lives. Language: very mild profanity.

SEXUALITY & GENDER ISSUES: Single parent family. Nello is orphaned. Nello is illegitimate. Women artists, even with great talent, are not recognized by society. Married Stephens has sex with Cogez’ maid. Michel reclaims his illegitimate son and the film implies that this makes his 10-year absence acceptable.

SUBSTANCES: An abusive man drinks from a bottle. Drinking at a party. The landlord gets drunk and insults his own wife.

COMMENTS: A beautifully photographed film using authentic locations and environments about the power of art to uplift a bleak life of hardship and misery. It might come as a surprise (or a shock) to some children to find out that dogs were used as beasts of burden. The dog, however, is peripheral to the film. The dog is there primarily to be beaten and then to kill his abuser (not very good advice for children suffering similarly). Still, with guidance this is a wonderful film full of positive approaches to difficult issues.

STARRING: Jack Warden, Jeremy James Kissner, Jesse James, Jon Voight, Cheryl Ladd, Steven Hartley, Bruce McGill, Madylin Sweeten, Andrew Bicknell.

ALTERNATES: Charles Dickens’ work is full of suffering children, “Oliver Twist,” and “A Christmas Carol.” “Lassie Come Home” is another wonderful film about suffering.