Delivered by rudimentary computer animation... Still, the central conceit is compelling.

Hats off to the chutzpah of the filmmakers behind this thoughtful if somewhat plodding effort, which will appeal largely to young (or young-at-heart) dog lovers cum budding war historians - not exactly a massive demographic.

I'm glad to report that I not only saw the tale of a soldier and his loyal pooch through to the end; at one point, I used a shirt cuff to blot away the wet eyes.

It's a heart-warming story that features beautiful, painterly animation.