Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin

I watched Silver Fang many times under my childhood, so this is nostalgia for me. Its one of the best animated movies ever made. I have the uncut version now and when I watch that I realize that it's not a movie for children as it was promoted in Sweden to be, it's a movie for all ages. It contains allot of violence, ruff language and its about strength and courage. It's not like a Disney or PIXAR movie, because when you see this movie your really get touched.

I'm talking about movies, its not a movie it's a TV series in 21 parts, but when it was realized in Sweden in the mid 80's it's they realized it on four VHS tapes.

If you haven't seen it, do so!

Honestly "SILVER FANG" is ridicules, extremely "Japanese 80's", cheesy and at times sloppy animated. But still it's the ONLY movie/series/song that hasn't lost my devotion, excitement and love for since my jaw dropped at the age of 6 (about 21 years ago).

I just love everything about it, it has always inspired me as a filmmaker, to create something unique and not always caring if your movies are a bit naive.

There are some "fillers", ruffly the whole season 3, gathering more dogs, is basically the same scenario over and over again.(I skip that one) But I don't care because this is pure movie magic on all levels, this is taking your imagination to your fullest, it's cute and brutal. It's brave heart for dogs :)

if I'm only allowed to give one film 10 stars in my life, it wouldn't be the godfather, Schindler's list or Citizens Cane. It would be SILVER FANG. I'm probably alone in the world about it but somehow that makes it feel even better.

Known in different titles and perhaps a Nordic affair mostly. Since it was sort of a hit in Finland and Sweden at least. Never heard of a English version, which in that case would be a terrible shame. This is a life-time achievement in the genre of Drama trough the eyes of the Dogs. The portrayal of how we exploits the Dogs for our needs feels spot on. One of the female leads owner showed hes true colors when desperation called. When the grown-ups are sloppy, its up to a little boy and a legendary Puppy to stop a psychotic Bear from terrorizing their land. The old hunter has hes guilt and a demon to fight in the gigantic Bear Akakaboto (Red Helmet). A teary-eyed show about growing up, responsibility and honor. Some scenes are very heartbreaking. An instant and powerful classic.

No other tv show or a movie has made as afraid as this one, when I first watched this as a child, and that was the 'clean' cut version of the series.

16 years later, this show still gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. Not that it would frighten me any more. But it is just so great show with lots of spectacular moments that will be remembered!

Gin's journey from a puppy to adult is wonderful journey that everyone should dig into at least twice in their lifetime. Once as a child and once as a adult! The characters are very well written and thought of action is great emotions are guaranteed, what else could you wish for? Oh and I did not even mention the MUSIC!

In case you watch this show and afterwards feel that Akakabuto is hunting you, and lurking in the dark, you can always imagine Riki and Gin by yourside to save you in case he attacks!

I just finished re-watching this series, nearly 20 years after I first saw it as a kid. Did it live up to my expectations?

Short answer: Yes!

The animation in Silver Fang isn't even close to what we are used to today, but for some reason that didn't bother me at all. This series strength lies in the strong story-line, the way you connect to its characters (human or dog), and how emotional it is. No other animated series has made me weep, cheer and smile like this one!

So do you need to have watched this as a child to enjoy it? I doubt it; have an open mind, give it a chance and find out for yourself!

You won't regret it!