Ouida`s Flemish classic children`s novel of the late 1800s gets a slightly
more unusual treatment here than in the 1999 live-action release. Originally a
1975 Japanese series called Furandaasu No Inu, The Dog of Flanders, set in
19th-century Belgium. The story follows the adventures of artist Nello, a
young peasant boy separated from his closest companion, wealthy Aloise.
Nello only has his beloved grandfather and his faithful dog Patrasche, but his
grandfather dies suddenly. Nello must fend for himself. Dog and boy master
brave a frightful snowstorm, at the end of which Nello is finally able to view
the work of his idol, Reubens. The ending, while grim, switches to the future
with a grown Aloise (now a nun), and it`s clear Nello`s spirit lives through
his still-devoted friend. A wonderfully animated film for the viewer who has
the maturity to understand its deeply powerful story.