 The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1989)
It isn't often that a film like The Adventures of Milo and Otis comes around the bend. This movie is fun, clever and cute. Milo (the cat) and Otis (the dog) are friends who end up on many adventures both together and apart. Most of the bigger adventures seem to
happen to the hapless Milo.
This film actually began it's life as a Japanese
film by writer and zoologist Masanori Hata. The original name of the film was Koneko Monogatari. It was dubbed into English and narrated by Dudley Moore. Moore plays the narrator and seems to truly be enjoying himself telling this fable about true friendship. Moore is able to provide various voices so that the narration does not become boring. Some of the references are more for the adults in the audience.
This movie is unique because it doesn't just use narration to move the story along. There are times in the movie where the audience can just sit back and enjoy watching animals be animals.
This is normally the time where I would dive into the basic plot. This is
where the film takes another departure. The film really doen't have a true
plot. It is more a nature film about a kitten and a puppy growing up into adults. This film took over 5 years to complete and it is easy to tell that Hata truly loves animals. There are a few parts where both Milo and Otis are clearly in danger. Just remember that if you have children, to view it with discretion. I give this film a Tail Wag.
By: Tadashi Rubright |
