Reno Rangan A year ago I saw and reviewed 'Heidi'. This is just like a boy version of that film. The Alps, goats, grandfather, like that each other can be compared. This one came even before that, but I saw it only now. Whenever I see a film this late, I comfort myself saying 'better late than never'. There's already a sequel was made and I'm sure I'll be watching it very soon. By the way the film was based on half a century old children's novel and directed by who is famous for his dog films and documentaries.This is the tale of a young boy named Sébatien who lives with his grandfather in the French Alps valley. It was during the 40s and the people are devastated by the presence of nazi force. The town has not yet shown any resistance to that. But there was a little compassion for the small Jewish community living among them and they're helping them to get away safely to the other side of the mountain.On the other hand, the boy befriends with a feral dog and names her Belle, who was responsible for the deaths of goats. Their bond becomes stronger and all his effort is to protect Belle from village people. But one day during the Christmas season, the opportunity knocks to prove their worth, particularly Belle's. That's when the narration reaches the highest point with some adventures in the snowy Alps.❝It is nicer than 'dirty beast', huh?❞The first thing about this tale is where it takes place. The locations were the backbone of the storytelling. They used it perfectly, not just as the background, but for the story itself. Then comes the two important characters, Belle and Sébatien. It's like another dog film, but Belle too had parts to show her capable like in the stunt section. Sébatien was a cute little kid and in his first film, he was excellent.Honestly, I expected more from them, together, to develop their connection even further. The disappointments were the edgy (adventure) portions which were not that thrill. Like the filmmakers preferred safe mode than being more realistic. Like they were aiming for G rating, not even for a PG. On that aspect, it looks a lot like a television film. This view is from me as an adult, but the others' might vary.Despite its sets in the time of the WWII, there's no violences in the film. That sub-plot was part of the story to complicate and improvise the film. Apart from that, this is a pure children's and family film. But I expected a little more tight plot and developed characters in the rest of the film, excluding visually impressiveness. This film was too simple, especially if you had seen 'Heidi', 'Brothers of the Wind', 'The Fox & the Child' and a few others. Otherwise, it will one of the best films you are going to see and enjoyable for many other reasons.I can tell, it was incomplete and then I came to know about its follow-up. I don't think that was preplanned, but the idea seems not bad. I hope that film will be even better than this. I can't wait to watch another adventure by Belle and Sébatien. This is a good watch, especially if you are a children's film fan, but it is a must see for the little ones. Films like this will shape up their childhood memories. I have lots of such sweet memories, so just show it to them and watching with them will even better to share the same memories.7/10

Sean Payne This film IS unlike most of the films I review IS suitable for Children in fact it is approved by the Dove Foundation as family approved film it is NOT rated by the Motion Picture Association of America so one will have to use their own judgment as to letting ones kid,s watch this film I enjoyed this beyond measure Due to the fact I prefer family films that are non Violent and free of foul langue and Nudity and or sexual content I prefer films that make one thinkThe star of this film who plays SEBASTIAN ( Félix Bossuet) is a very talented young man you could read the emotions in his face that is one mark of a supper actor. this film is Seething with Nazis the foul buggers they were. Please rent this film form your local Library and enjoy with your family God Bless your Friendly Film Reviewer

gradyharp Nicholas Vanier directed this adaptation of Cécile Aubry's novel (adaptation and screenplay by director Vanier with Juliette Sales and Fabien Suarez) n a film that is in both French and German with English subtitles. The result is a film for the heart – a reminder that during the atrocities of WW II there were moments of meaningful relationships, especially between animals and people (remember 'War Horse'?). The film is set during WWII in the snowy Alps of occupied France, on the border of Switzerland. Six year old Sébastien (Félix Bossuet), raised and adopted by his grandfather, is lonely and dreaming of the day his mother will return from America for him. He befriends an enormous yet gentle sheepdog Belle who quickly becomes his best friend and protector. With Nazis in the village rooting out the resistance fighters helping Jewish refugees cross the border, Belle and Sébastien's loyalty to each other and the village that has embraced them both will be put to the test.The scenery is magnificent and the acting by the young and gifted Félix Bossuet is extraordinary. It is a moment of devotion and love and caring and protection during WW II that creates a strong sense of caring about the true meaning of friendship.

Robert W. I was actually very surprised to read a few less than stellar reviews on IMDb. From the moment I saw the trailer for this last month I knew it looked right up my alley. I was practically in tears watching the trailer. Then I found a little more about it. It turns out this is a live action version of the 1960's animated French cartoon which I remember from my childhood in the eighties!! Its a beautifully simple, stunningly shot story about a boy and his dog with a side story about World War 2 prisoners escaping to Switzerland through the French mountains. They could have turned this into a full fledged TV Show but they did very well with the time constraints of a movie. I don't mean to imply that its brilliant or breathtaking but it is incredibly sweet and just a very nice family movie with absolutely nothing to be concerned about for the younger audiences save for a few moments of intensity. The melancholy tone of the film keeps you on the edge for each climactic turn and while none of the performances are "amazing" everyone is at least very good. It is easily one of the best "cartoon" adaptations I've ever seen because it simply stands on its own merits.Félix Bossuet is very good as our young hero. One reviewer said he lacked emotion and looked uncomfortable and I did not get that one bit. First of all, he's adorably cute and looks almost animated in a live action sort of way. He looks like a young, free spirited, creative little boy and he makes the role completely believable. Bossuet just had the right look for this role and does well in it. Tchéky Karyo is excellent as Bossuet's Grandfather Cesar. We know right from the beginning that he cares deeply for Sebastian and is teaching him everything he knows. We also know he has a lot of his own dark demons, alcoholism being at the top of that. Karyo is terrific in this role. The only problem is that we don't see enough of him and the film doesn't allow us to really explore his character. Regardless he was one of my favourites in the film. Margaux Châtelier, Dimitri Storoge and Andreas Pietschmann are supporting characters that should have and try to be main characters. They are all very interesting with good back story but there just isn't time to get to know them as characters. Still, their performances are solid and they definitely are integral to a very good film. None of these actors overshadow the performance of that beautiful dog. Perhaps it was more than one dog...I don't know and it doesn't matter. I don't know who the credit goes to but the dog is brilliant. He shows emotion and facial expression and a heart that literally drives the film. Without her and Bossuet this wouldn't have nearly as good.Reviewers said that they expected this to be more emotional but I do think they made this film for children or at least families. They aren't trying to be emotionally extreme though there are moments. I watched these with tears streaming down my face when the "beast" is hunted and shot because I already felt the connection between Sebastian and Belle and that is kudos to the entire cast and crew. Director Nicolas Vanier has taken a simple and cute story and turned it into something beautiful. Vanier comes from documentaries which probably helps with the absolutely gorgeous cinematography that is all happening behind and around these characters. Take a moment to just look at the stunning scenery and the way its used as a setting. Equally as haunting and beautiful is the musical score including a song that is simple and sweet and sung by Sebastian in the background of one or two scenes. It actually gave me goosebumps hearing it. Whether you're a fan of foreign films or not, grab your children, sit down and watch this/read it together if you have to. This is a beautiful story and an absolute gem that I won't soon forget. To me this was nearly an instant classic in my books and I intend on sharing it with my children. 9/10