Retrospective: Cave of the Yellow Dog (2006)

[Kam-Hung Soh]

Cave of the Yellow Dog (2006)
Review by Kam-Hung Soh 2009

This film follows Urjindorjyn Batchuluun and his family, who are nomadic 
herders in the Mongolian steppe (or grassland). Their life revolves 
around tending their herd of goats, sheep and cattle, and seems little 
different, aside from a wind generator and an ancient motorcycle, from 
that of their ancestors. One night, two sheep are killed by wolves, and 
the next day, their eldest daughter, Nansal, while collecting dung to 
smoke meat, finds a pup in a cave. When she brings the pup home, her 
father refuses to keep it because it may have run with wolves and could 
attract a pack to his herd.

'Cave of the Yellow Dog' works best as an observational documentary, 
such as when it follows the mother on her farm chores, Nansal minding 
the sheep on her pony or when the family move to a better pasture by 
disassembling their yurt and loading all their possessions on carts. The 
film suggests that this rural way of life may not be around for much 
longer; the family may have to give up herding to settle in a town and 
send their children to school, and when Urjindorjyn meets some hunters, 
he finds that they can't find anyone to take over their role. In 
contrast, the story of Nansal and the dog seem awkward, and the climax a 
bit forced.

Mongolian with English subtitles.

3 out of 5 stars.

http://vibogafi.blogspot.com/2009/09/review-cave-of-yellow-dog-2006.html

-- 
Kam-Hung Soh
http://vibogafi.blogspot.com