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November 2006
THE CAVE OF THE YELLOW DOG


THE CAVE OF THE YELLOW DOG
by Kam Williams



Distributor: Tartan Films
Director: Byambasuren Davaa
Screenwriter: Byambasuren Davaa
Cast: Batchuluun Urjindorj, Buyandulam Daramdadi Batchuluun, Nansalmaa Batchuluun, Batbayer Batchuluun
In Mongolian with subtitles.
Running time: 90 minutes
   

Lassie Does Mongolia

A family of nomads has pitched its hut on the rolling Mongolian plains, planning to stay for the duration of the summer. The father (Batchuluun Urjindorj), a shepherd, tends to his flock, while his wife (Buyandulam Daramdadi Batchuluun) tends to their three young children. Nansaa (Nansalmaa Batchuluun), their eldest, has recently returned home for vacation after spending the spring semester away at school. Though the six year-old would prefer to play, she expected to contribute to the household, so she’s assigned a set of daily chores to lighten her parents’ load in this labor-intensive existence.

One day, while out in the fields collect dung in a basket, Nansaa comes upon
a cave where she finds a friendly stray puppy with unusual markings. Naming him Colorful, she brings him back for everyone to meet, expecting to be allowed to adopt him as a pet. But after her dad objects, because the dog’s presence could pose a threat to his vulnerable herd of sheep, the disobedient tyke decides to keep Colorful anyway. So, Nansaa secretly hides her new best friend, forging a bond which apparently will only have to be dissolved upon the arrival of Fall, when it’s time to break camp and move on.

In the end, will the adorable cherub have to leave Colorful behind? That is the burning question behind The Cave of the Yellow Dog, another heartwarming fable from Byambasuren Davaa. Ms. Davaa, who landed an Oscar-nomination for The Story of the Weeping Camel in the Best Documentary category, again skirts the line between fact and fiction with this equally-evocative, childlike escape into fantasy.

Deliberately-paced, and blessed with some of the most calming, humbling, and breathtaking panoramas since, well, since The Story of the Weeping Camel, The Cave of the Yellow Dog is a Lassie-like adventure but one stripped of any pretense, transparent plot points or a syrupy send-off. A truly touching tale which patiently paints a simple tableau while ever so subtly highlighting an endangered lifestyle deserving of protection from the onslaught of Western civilization.

Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated