A Dog of Flanders

An appreciation for fine art, virtue, and relationships marks this family film set in Europe when Flanders was still Flanders before it was swallowed up by France and Belgium. But parents should be aware that this 95-minute video also features a good dollop of death, beginning with the demise of the hero's mother at the very beginning when he is just a baby. Raised by his impoverished grandfather (Jack Warden), Nello (Jeremy James Kissner) nevertheless finds happiness in the dog he finds left for dead, a neighbor girl who becomes his soul mate, and the talent for drawing he inherits from his mother. He even becomes the protégé of the town's premier painter (Jon Voight). But life holds many bitter lessons for Nello, including the death of his grandfather when he is a teen, betrayal by those he trusts, and his own near-death. Gorgeously shot on location by director and co-writer Kevin Brodie, this movie has many rewards, including, finally, a happy ending. For mature 7-year-olds and up.

The guy who said "worst-ever" evidently has no heart. The movie was good and the character of Nello is sweet and good-hearted. I've been to both Antwerp and Flanders as a child and this story brought back memories. The movie is based on the classic book, and sure, the plot isn't all about the dog, but do you really want it to be? If the story was, then the other reviewer might have something to really complain about. I suppose since the central character is a child he objects to that? As to Jon Voight's performance--he's a supporting character--he's not supposed to be in the spotlight, although his character proves to be important later on. I hope the actor who played Nello gets more work; I see a lot of potential in him. If you are a parent your child should like this film, though there is some violence and people do die.

I've just seen this movie on TV. When I saw it advertised, I thought that it would be interesting. And it was. The story of the kid all alone in the world, who is phorbidden to see his best friend and is unfairly accused of being a criminal and, above all dreams of being a great painter, accompanied by a dog was really going quite well. And when I saw that scene where the kid was watching is own funeral I thought it was going to end that way. But no! They had to put a cheesy, melodramatic ending with no sense at all. In my opinion, the movie would have been perfect if it had ended with the kid actually dying. It would make much more sense, given the evolution of the story. Like this it is a fantastic movie, with an horrible ending.

This movie is wonderful, and very well-cast. I am so pleased to have the DVD. I originally had hoped to obtain the 1940's classic, starring Donald Crisp, and still hope to, in future. However, this 1999 version is great. Jon Voight is a favorite, as is Jack Warden. The fact that it is filmed entirely on location, in Flanders, is a plus, as well. It just proves that remakes of movies are sometimes just as good, if not better than, the original. And this is the case, with A Dog of Flanders. I have been to Belgium (Brussels, and Brugge), but not Flanders. Perhaps one day, I will have that pleasure. I have never before seen a Bouvier dog, and am very impressed with that breed of dog. At the end of the movie it says that Bouviers are not for everyone-I wonder why that is? I would be anxious for an explanation of that statement. Thank you, Linda Huthmaker, Torrance, California

i saw it just 3 days ago for the first time, and although i consider myself as a tough guy, i cried at the end ...lovely film...the people who remain untouched , simply have no heart....

sorry for my English... i have to fill the lines or it will not be published.. so, jon voight is always a plus, jack warden too, and the little nelo was very touching....

and elois, too.. i have to write more, as it seems... i loved it thanks i loved the green fields, the original places , but most of all , the characters and the struggle of the poor people for their living...it was a very special film...