This film follows Urjindorjyn Batchuluun and his family, who are nomadic herders in the Mongolian steppe (or grassland). Their life revolves around tending their herd of goats, sheep and cattle, and seems little different, aside from a wind generator and an ancient motorcycle, from that of their ancestors. One night, two sheep are killed by wolves, and the next day, their eldest daughter, Nansal, while collecting dung to smoke meat, finds a pup in a cave. When she brings the pup home, her father refuses to keep it because it may have run with wolves and could attract a pack to his herd.
'Cave of the Yellow Dog' works best as an observational documentary, such as when it follows the mother on her farm chores, Nansal minding the sheep on her pony or when the family move to a better pasture by disassembling their yurt and loading all their possessions on carts. The film that suggests that this rural way of life may not be around for much longer; the family may have to give up herding to settle in a town and send their children to school, and when Urjindorjyn meets some hunters, he finds that they can't find anyone to take over their role. In contrast, the story of Nansal and the dog seem awkward, and the climax a bit forced.
Mongolian with English subtitles.
3 out of 5 stars.
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