The Dog Who Stopped the War (1984) User Reviews

A wonderful children's film!

[ShempMyMcMalley · 7/10 · 20 June 2008]

***1/2 Out of ***** While I am not concerned with the fact that this is an English dubbed version as some reviewers have mentioned, it should be noted, as it seems to reside in many Quebecois native hearts. However, this was a movie as a child that I was a fervent admirer of; keeping in mind now that it was made for children, I rate it on a relative basis. The story is of children on winter break building an awesome snow fort, and jostling back-'n-forth for control with weapons such as snowballs and other concoctions, as idle hands and free time equal winter break lessons. If I had children, this definitely is a film I would try and get them interested in, as the snow fort wowed me when I was young, and I think even children today would agree, albeit with Pixar and all the computer animation, maybe I am out of date and just don't realize it. In addition, the movie's message is wonderfully allegorical and a positive one at that, for children (and adults alike).

Good family movie

[Tito-8 · 7/10 · 16 April 2000]

I just watched this movie for the first time, and I can honestly say that you don't have to be a kid to enjoy this family movie. It took me a little while to get into this film, but once the "war" started, I found myself enjoying the story and even laughing out loud at some of the humor. The kids did a fine job and I hope that they all look back at this film with fond memories.

A classic for all kids

[Dan-248 · 9/10 · 17 June 1999]

I remember seeing this one when I was seven or eight. I must have found the characters round, because they left a impression in my mind that lasted for a long time after the end of the movie. And the ending, now that's sad, well... for a 7-8 year old kid.

I had the opportunity of seeing this movie again lately, and found that the plot was too simple, the character, two-dimensional... I guess it's the kind of movie that you can only with the innocence of a young child... Pity...

I recommend this one for all you parents with small kids... ( I saw it in its original french version, so I cannot tell you whether the translation is good or not.)

A great, timeless family film

[Vamps76 · 7 January 2008]

One of the more successful movies in Quebec filmmakers' "Contes pour tous" (Tales for All) line of films, La Guerre Des Tuques is a simple story about kids who form 2 groups that will engage in snowball fights during the Christmas holidays.

Having seen this film recently for the first time since I was a kid, I was amazed at how it hasn't lost any of its appeal after all these years. Adults watching this will get a warm case of nostalgia (as well as some good laughs) and kids will be treated to a tale of friendship, loss and peace all while having a great time. I would say the main theme here is youthful innocence coming to a head with the realities of life.

I recommend this film to anyone. They don't make em' like this anymore.

A cute movie!

[Teek · 10/10 · 21 August 1999]

What can i say about this movie? I have seen it quite a few times since the first time when i was around 6. I have seen the english version and it is done very well. It is a great movie for all ages, but it is directed more for children. I love the childlike humor and appreciate it. If you have not seen it, you should try to rent a copy, you will not be disappointed!

Great kids playing fight story

[sergelamarche · 8/10 · 7 November 2017]

Very good story and very child-oriented. Cute and intelligent. The acting is pretty good. The effects are okay. I rewatched it just now and in spite of the age of the film, I still found it fetching. No one has a mobile phone in this though. And in the film, one house has a black and white TV (showing war news, btw). It is full of lessons. In the film, the kids have a lot of freedom. It would not be the same in real life. The fort is much too big and well done for a few kids. And making a big fort in snow can be a hazard, as the end shows.

Still holds up

[jlclayton · 7/10 · 7 December 2023]

I watched this movie in the mid 80s when I was about the same age as the kids. It mimicked my childhood experience so much of playing outside and building forts. I saw it again last night with my 14 year old who thought it wouldn't be that good and I think she really liked it (she watched the entire movie at least). It made me long for a simpler time before devices robbed kids of their childhood. I still think most kids prefer to go play outside but far too many like devices now. Hopefully this movie can inspire kids to go outside and play but also think of the consequences of their actions. I also loved the cheesy synth music in the film.

One of the best French films

[totally-not-jack · 10/10 · 18 October 2023]

This was an absolute cinematic masterpiece. I reallly symphisized with the main character. I really felt the highs and lows, like when the dog died at the end and when they were at war. This is the best movie I've ever seen. This move should be played in every francophone classroom in the entire world. It was educational, relaxing, funny and peaceful. This is a must watch for family, schools and friends alike. The is is a major cinematic masterpiece that should be kept for decades and decades to come. I really believe that this is amazing. Please watch this if you have the time, it is on YouTube.

It remember a good time

[landypice · 8/10 · 3 March 2002]

This movie was very good because it remember when I was young when I maked snow castle. It was so fun. This movie is interessant. This is a good quebeker movie with no much money and is also a magical movie because their wonderfull castle is very big and beautiful.

A classic movie for kids.

[copycat-5 · 23 January 2001]

I watched this movie when I was about 8 years old. I taped it and watched it over and over. I loved it so much I even borrowed the novel from the library and red it twice. As a child I didn't read a lot of books for fun so this was a first. I have not seen this movie for 15 years. I recently saw it on TV. It wasn't till now that I realized that it was dubbed. I always thought that it was originally in English.

This movie is on my list of favourite movies. It's not a spectacular, oscar winning movie but it just brings back memories of how much I use to love it. The ending always left me crying. The values it teaches still rings true today. War does nothing even if it is with snowballs.

the best

[jennpye8 · 9 February 2006]

OK,so I'm a 58 year old kid.this is my favourite movie of all time.i watch it every day and never tire of it.the kids are so natural.i managed to buy 10 copies at a video rental garage sale.gave a copy to my grandchildren.they also love it.it is obvious the author grew up in this type of environment.many older adults could relate to this type of childhood fun.i have gone through 3 of my copies.after all 20 years of watching the same movie every day ,has to damage the tape.i wish there were more movies like this.its beautiful,funny,sad,happy all in one neat little package.how many of us have built snow forts,played war games,fallen in love with the enemy,had to bury a much loved pet.many of us.it is my childhood relived.

A great kid's movie about the value of peace.

[broccolihero · 16 January 2003]

During the winter break a large group of kids decide to break into two groups and play "war." One group stakes the kids barn/hideout as their base and the other group builds an amazing ice brick fortress complete with slides, a faux front door, and a snowball armory. The kids set up rules, spy on each other, get frustrated because they can't talk to kids on the other team. There is a conscientious objector, a kind of goofy nature-lovin' kid who tries to stop the war several times. I remember seeing this when I was pretty young and it made a lasting impression. I have only seen a dubbed into English copy (which makes some of the taunts the kids say pretty funny.)

fun stuff

[rinsa · 21 August 1999]

i also remember seeing this as a kid many times and i have always loved it. i just saw it again today for the first time since at least 1985 or something and i still think it's good! i like seeing movies in which we get to participate in kids' activities and how they go about things. that fort was the coolest fort ever and i remember always wanting a fort like that and having this pretend snowball war with cannons that actually shoot snowballs, and to run around in a warm snowsuit and hockey helmet. it does have it's sad part - the end where cleo the dog dies. it wasn't sad to me this time around, but i know that i was sad when i was younger. definitely try to check this out if you have little kids around - it kinda reminds me of "A Christmas Story".