Kita-kitsune monogatari

I first discovered this gem on The Disney Channel by accident back in 1984, and wish more than anything that I had owned a VCR at the time so I could have taped it. It was once out on home video and I hear even won an award for its special presentation, but is apparently now on moratorium...I BEG somebody to please re-release it, even if it isn't in stereo if you do! Basically, it's a semi-documentary of a family of foxes...I say "semi" because it has a story attached to it and very believably so...charmingly narrated and with genuinely catchy, fun original songs composed just for it, plus a GORGEOUS orchestral score. A lovely little sleeper which does a great job of catching the wonder and majesty of not just foxes, but nature in particular and is guaranteed to be dearly loved by anyone who loves animals, even if they aren't particularly nuts by "documentary" films. It may even make you shed a tear or two in some spots. I wish more than anything that it will be re-released.

I remember watching this semi documentary as a kid and being drawn into the world of Flep, his mate Layla, and their kits who had names such as Serica, Roosum, Nuphrey, etc. Some of their kits make it while others don't. The saddest was the blind little kit who got taken away by the breakers while he was sitting on the beach, oblivious to the danger before him. While I won't spoil the ending, please bring a box of Kleenex.

Besides the storyline, there are memorable, moving songs and a wise old tree who tells the story. I can still recall some of those songs all these years later.

Hopefully it will be shown again for a newer generation to enjoy.

Glacier Fox is one of the most heartrending and wonderfully photographed wildlife films ever made.

The film makes you care about each member of this fox family, from the blind cub to the strongest - their adventures are at times hilarious and also tragic. Set against an inhospitable countryside, the audience's hearts warm to the family members.

The music score and lyrics tell the story intercut with narration about what is happening in general terms.

Man remains one of the biggest predators, but we are left in no doubt that the foxes are capable of living, not just surviving beyond human endeavours.

I saw this movie when I was little - It was called "Glacier Fox". I was totally traumatized by it! It follows a cute little fox family around. The beginning was great and I remember becoming very attached to the little foxes. I also remember my mother carrying me out of the theater while I was in hysterics. I won't tell you what happened, but let's just say it doesn't end well for all of the foxes. I was used to Disney type nature films where the animals don't REALLY die. Oh man. This movie made me cry for hours. It was a good movie...I think - I was really little and truth be told -all I remember is being happy for the foxes and then seeing one of them die. Rent it if you can, but don't show your kids!

I saw The Glacier Fox in the theatre when I was nine years old - I bugged my parents to take me back three times. I began looking for it on video about five years ago, finally uncovering a copy on an online auction site, but I would love to see it either picked up by a new distributor and rereleased (I understand the original video run was small), or have the rights purchased by The Family Channel, Disney, etc. and shown regularly. It is a fascinating film that draws you into the story of the life struggle of a family of foxes in northern Japan, narrated by a wise old tree. The excellent soundtrack compliments the film well. It would be a good seller today, better than many of the weak offerings to children's movies today.