Kashtanka

This short animation is based on the Anton Chekhov short story of the same name, that tells the story of the eponymous dog. Kashtanka is owned by a poor, drunken carpenter and his son. The carpenter treats Kashtanka meanly and doesn't feed him well, but the son is playful with him. When Kashtanka gets lost one day, he is adopted by a stranger who trains performing animals. Eventually Kashtanka is trained to perform in the circus, but while he is now better fed, he does not seem comfortable with this new life.

The quality of the animation here ia quite good, if dated, with a focus on realism over 'cuteness'. The story is somewhat bleak, but with a hopeful undertone. Probably not cute or joyful enough for a modern child audience, but its more complex themes might hold interest. An intriguing film and insight into Russian literature and animation.