The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby

The story of Greyfriars Bobby is one that has no definitive true version, as there is much debate about this real life story and many of the details. Because of this, it didn't bother me too much that the film says it is BASED on the dog's life. Adding a few details and fictionalizing up the story, a bit, didn't bother me because of this. However, one detail that is consistent in the stories is that Bobby was a terrier, but looked little like the West Highland White terrier you see in the movie. Most say Bobby was a Skye terrier, but photos of him don't really look like a Skye but a mixed dark terrier about the size of a Skye or Westie. So why didn't they at least use a dog that looked more like Bobby (such as a Cairn or Border terrier)? Apparently, Westies are more photogenic or something. I didn't like this choice...but unlike one reviewer who gives the movie a 1 just because of this, I am willing to cut it a bit of slack.

As per what we know about the wee doggy, he was owned by a night watchman who died prematurely due to tuberculosis. Following the man's death, the dog seemed to follow the daily route of his master as well as hang out at his master's grave. The film particularly focused on the grave, not the route nor how the doggy often was seen next door at a local pub which his owner frequented.

So do I recommend the film? Well, it's an enjoyable dog movie provided you don't spend too much time comparing it to the older Disney version...which I think is superior. But it's not a bad tale and is well worth seeing.

By the way, I noticed a lot of 10s and 9s among the reviews and wonder if this is more an indication that these folks love dogs as opposed to this being a superior production. I adore dogs myself but cannot see giving it a score much higher than 7 or 8 for technical and dramatic reasons.