The Cave of the Yellow Dog (Die Hohle des gelben Hundes) (2005)

88% of critics liked it
(51 reviews)
87% of users liked it
(3,677 ratings)

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… More 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. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Byambasuren Davaa
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Special Interest

In Theaters: Jul 28, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Feb 13, 2007
Studio: Tartan Films

Critic Reviews

Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The movie is very beautiful and also very slow, mostly due to the relatively primitive setting.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
This is no heart-tugging family drama; rather it's a contemplative, compassionate portrait of a hardy people. Offered as a borderline documentary, it proceeds in long, uncluttered takes.
Bill Stamets, Chicago Sun-Times
This unassuming drama of a nomad family brims with small marvels.
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
... a movie without commercial pizzazz but with plenty of art-film treasures.
Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader
... despite the exotic locale and the photogenic moppets, that's not enough for a satisfying movie.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Cave of the Yellow Dog is simple, powerful, back-to-basics filmmaking.
Common Sense Media Editors, Common Sense Media
Unique, mild glimpse into nomadic Mongolian kids' lives.
Anton Bitel, musicOMH.com
a mournful elegy for the passing of an entire culture.
David Cornelius, eFilmCritic.com
How wonderful it is to encounter a film like this, with its sweet simplicities and its quiet observations.
Kam Williams, EURWeb
Deliberately-paced and blessed with breathtaking panoramas, a Lassie-like adventure refreshingly devoid of any pretense.
Josh Rosenblatt, Austin Chronicle
Damn me for an unreliable cynic, but The Cave of the Yellow Dog is a remarkable movie: touching, honest, and unassuming, without a hint of irony or false motive.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
Add in a wisecracking sidekick with a Brooklyn accent, and the Mongolian drama "Cave of the Yellow Dog" could be remade as a Disney cartoon.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
Here, it's 'progress' the family rebels against. There's a sense their existence, which is unencumbered by PlayStations or balsamic vinegar, is endangered. That idea, like everything else in this low-key charmer, is expressed in simple terms.
Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan
The Cave of the Yellow Dog is a gentle film, leisurely of pace and nicely shot. To me, it seems more like a National Geographic special than the sort of thing I look for in cinema.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
At the same time, [director Byambasuren] Davaa also concentrates blissfully on those fleeting moments of life that most movies excise in favor of forwarding the plot. This gentle, observant storytelling is perfectly appropriate for kids.
Tim Cogshell, Boxoffice Magazine
It must also be noted that each of the Batchuluun children are extraordinary and that Nansal Batchuluun (both her real and her character's name) is among the most captivating creatures captured on film -- ever.
Kam Williams, Upstage Magazine
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.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
It exudes a sweetness and easygoing charm that make it hard to resist despite its lackadaisical quality.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Thanks to some ace photography, the beautiful Mongolian wilderness also has a strong presence.

Read all 19 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

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… More
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.
Randy T

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.
Bruce B

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.