A Wholly Captivating 'Cave'

"The Cave of the Yellow Dog" is written and directed by Byambasuren Davaa, who co-directed a sleeper hit of 2003, "The Story of the Weeping Camel." Filmgoers lucky enough to have seen that sublime drama, and to see Davaa's wonderful new movie, might come up for an overarching title for all her films: "The Story of the Weeping Audience."

Like "Camel," "Cave" is set in the majestic outback of Mongolia, where nomads live in yurts while they pursue their centuries-old way of life. When an adorable little girl named Nansal finds a stray dog near the pasture where her family grazes its sheep, she brings the pup home, only to have her father -- worried that the dog has gone feral -- demand she let him go.

Filmed with the same blend of intimacy, sweep, documentary and fiction that made "Camel" such a dazzling debut, "Cave" also bears that film's poetic imagery and sweet, affecting story. (Nansal and her family are all played by non-actors.) While Nansal's devotion to her dog is universal, her narrative is also steeped in the mores of rural Mongolia, from the tea made over burning dung to the motorcycle Nansal's father drives to the city. "Cave" is a timeless movie, and offers a rare chance for the whole family to take a spectacular cinematic trip across continents and cultures.

-- Ann Hornaday

The Cave of the Yellow Dog Unrated, 93 minutes Contains nothing objectionable. In Mongolian with subtitles. At Landmark's E Street Cinema.