Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gripping tale of survival; some peril, emotional intensity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog
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?
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' 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about survival. What skills can you gain to help prepare you for life's adventures? Are there things that you'd like to learn to help you feel strong and helpful?
How does this movie compare to other dog movies?
Why are movies about dogs so popular? What is your favorite dog movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 11, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2003
- Cast : Bruce Davison , Jesse Bradford , Mimi Rogers
- Director : Phillip Borsos
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : For Perilous Adventure
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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