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Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (PG, 1995)

common sense media says

Gripping tale of survival leaves a lasting impression.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film portrays a boy's realistic struggle to survive in the wilderness. All of the carpentry and wilderness survival skills that Angus practices in his daily life are inspirational.

Positive messages: Angus and his newfound canine friend Yellow help each other survive a perilous ship wreck. Angus's hard work and integrity provide a refreshing role model for teenage boys.
Violence & scariness: The only violence in this film is that of the stormy sea and the suffering that being stranded on an island causes.
Sexy stuff: There is a chaste kiss at the end of the film.
Language: Younger brother Silas says "crap." Angus says "damn" when he accidentally crashes the truck into a woodpile.
Consumerism: Quaker products are shown briefly in a shopping bag.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about survival. What skills can you gain to help prepare you for life's adventures? Are there things that you would like to learn to help you feel strong and helpful? Did Angus make any choices that you might have made differently?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The McCormick family lives in the Canadian countryside near the coast, where John McCormick (Bruce Davison) runs a supply shipping business. His son Angus (Jesse Bradford) helps him with his work, accompanying him on runs to customers in different ports. Angus knows how to build a boat, he can take it on the water, and he knows how to behave in the wild. All of these skills are tested when John's ship is capsized in a storm and Angus is lost at sea. Luckily, Angus's dog Yellow is with him as they are washed to shore. Angus faces many obstacles, the least of which is fighting hunger and injury, while his parents attempt to rescue him.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

With sweeping views of the beautiful Canadian coast and intense wilderness scenes, this tender coming-of-age story is bound to impress viewers of all ages. Where the tale could verge into the melodramatic, the McCormick family exhibits stolid emotional strength in the face of adversity. Moreover, Angus is raised with strict boundaries, which serve him well. When he asks to keep the stray dog that he calls Yellow, his father says, "Angus, this is your dog and it is going to be your responsibility." The following scene shows Angus buying dog food and a dog tag with his hard-earned money. And Yellow proves to be a loyal friend, who saves Angus's life more than once.

The strength of the McCormick family's commitment to doing things correctly could be seen as a moral tale for the times. There are no shortcuts in this film -- and patience and perseverance end up saving lives.

Movie themes & details

Themes
adventures
Movie Details
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Director: Phillip Borsos
Cast: Bruce Davison, Jesse Bradford, Mimi Rogers
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 81 minutes
Theatrical release: March 11, 1995
DVD release: March 11, 2003
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: For Perilous Adventure
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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joshua martinez
adult
8
 
Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog is a great family movie for your young kids there's nothing bad about this film the story is about a boy name Angus who finds a dog name yellow and his father john where going on a vacation when suddenly a huge storm hits there ship and they are separated from shore now Angus and yellow must fight and survived to find there way home there is a good positive message in this movie it's all about friendship and teamwork.
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413804
adult
9
 
Dull
This is a pretty dull movie. If you want to watch a dog movie, I would recommend Marley and Me
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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