White Bim Black Ear

I finally got to watch this film after consciously avoiding it for a long time. It is not widely known in the English-speaking world, although it has become a sort of cult classic among Russian viewers. If Hollywood were to make its own version, they most probably would change the ending, which would eliminate the cathartic power of Stanislav Rostotsky's masterpiece. It is common knowledge that people usually cry after watching it, not only kids, but adults as well.

It is a story about maverick albino setter Bim and his master Ivan Ivanovich, an elderly writer. Bim escapes an early death from the hands of a dog-breeder because of his non-standard appearance thanks to Ivan Ivanovich who takes the white puppy as a pet. Bim grows up into an intelligent, benevolent and faithful dog. Unfortunately, when his master falls ill and is taken to hospital, Bim is left to his own devices. He sets off on a series of adventures trying to find Ivan Ivanovich even as certain human beings go out of their way to exterminate this four-legged wonder.

Forget about 101 Dalmatians, and watch this film, if you can get hold of it. No computer graphics, no special effects and none of the syrupy schmaltz modern films about animals are brimming with. This is a raw movie with great acting, both canine and human. The film transcends the genre of an 'animal flick', rising to the height of a Greek tragedy with a star-crossed dog as its hero.