The Adventures of Milo and Otis

In terms of spunkiness, Milo is one of the most high-spirited rascals in children's cinema. Dudley Moore provides the voice of Milo, Otis, and the narrator: he's alternatively excited and droll, speaking for each animal character and providing amusing commentary. Like many adventure tales, The Adventures of Milo and Otis is a coming-of-age story: they leave home for the first time, undergo tests of their courage and friendship, and return ready to accept responsibility. The movie also addresses the cyclical nature of life, demonstrating that birth and death are part of the process. We see animals born and eaten; Milo catches a trout, the raccoon shows up and steals the trout, only to have a bear show up and claim it for himself. Thus, although the animals here have human voices, the movie acknowledges their place in the natural world. Above all, this is story of a friendship. Cat and dog are there for each other in the end. The movie places great value on overcoming differences, suggesting that if Milo and Otis can do it, so can people.

Unfortunately, after the film's release, animal-rights groups in Australia and Europe accused the Japanese filmmakers of cruelty and of killing or injuring the various cats and dogs used in the production for the benefit of the movie's plot. The American Humane Society attempted to investigate the allegations, but nothing was confirmed except for the fact that the movie does not depict any animal injuries or deaths.