The Cave of the Yellow Dog (Die Hohle des gelben Hundes)

Critics Consensus

A sparse, hauntingly beautiful journey across continents and cultures.

90%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 50

87%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 3,818
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Movie Info

The Story of the Weeping Camel director Byambasuren Davaa returns to the helm to further explore the bond between man and beast with this tale of a young Mongolian girl who rescues a stray dog, and the subsequent relationship that develops between the homeless canine and the girl's disapproving father. Six-year-old Nansal was in the field collecting dung patties for fuel when she first came across the aimless yellow mutt she took to calling Zochor ("Spot"). Though the amiable mongrel and the girl form an immediate bond, trouble arises when her father insists that it will lead the wolves to the family's sheep, and she must get rid of it immediately. In the weeks that follow Nansal does her best to keep her four-legged friend a secret from her dad, but when winter draws near and the family prepares to migrate to another camp, Zochor is eventually tied to a post by Nansal's father and left behind. Despite the father's insistence that the beast will only bring problems for the family, he is soon compelled to reconsider his stance on the matter when Zochor proves his worth by protecting the youngest member of the family from a flock of hungry vultures.

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Cast

Babbayar Batchuluun
as Son
Nansal Batchuluun
Nansalmaa Batchuluun
as Youngest daughter
Buyandulam Daramdadi
as Mother
Batchuluun Urjindorj
as Father

News & Interviews for The Cave of the Yellow Dog (Die Hohle des gelben Hundes)

Critical Consensus: A So-So "Year", "Fiction" Works; "Babel" Shoots and Scores; "Harsh Times" Lives Up To Its Title; Guess "Return"’s Tomatometer!
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Critic Reviews for The Cave of the Yellow Dog (Die Hohle des gelben Hundes)

All Critics (50) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (45) | Rotten (5)

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Audience Reviews for The Cave of the Yellow Dog (Die Hohle des gelben Hundes)

  • Jul 21, 2012
    Truly endearing, that's all I need to say.
    Saskia D Super Reviewer
  • Nov 24, 2010
    Yes, this certainly is one beautifully done flilm. Yes, those children were unbelievably adorable. And yes, the scenery is magnificant. But...I almost fell asleep a few times. It is very. very slow moving and uneventful. The family seems so perfect, so free and untroubled in their Central Asian Eden that they seem like bit players in a propaganda piece with very little message. All of which is not to say it's a lousy movie. Just don't expect much grit or drama.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
  • Jan 19, 2009
    One summer in the life of a young Mongolian girl and her family. Director Byambasuren Davaa effectively accentuates the drama of daily routine, giving the entire film a National Geographic aura.
    Randy T Super Reviewer
  • Mar 08, 2008
    To enjoy this movie, you would have had to live outside the US for a period of time, most Americans couln't grasp it. A Foregin Film, all unknown actors, Children might enjoy it.
    Bruce B Super Reviewer
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