Le chien du Tibet

A young boy is sent from his city home to stay with his father on the rural plains of Tibet. He soon meets a wild dog, and forms a bond of trust and friendship. There are countless films about a boy and his beloved dog (or deer, horse, whale, alien...) and this one certainly leans heavily on the cliches and sentimentality typical of the genre. However, the Tibetan setting adds a layer of interest, with a really strong focus on Tibetan culture and utilising Tibetan folktale/mythology. That, combined with the beautiful artwork, makes this an underrated anime feature which is gentle enough for young viewers, while maintaining a sophisticated approach that will hold the interest of adults. Not outstanding, but enjoyable.