that the audience should "expect to ponder about the events in this film", and finished by saying that the film allows the audience to gain important messages. In another pre-release review, Nobuko Yamasaki, writing on behalf of Moviewalker, said that Snow Prince was filled with "tears of gratitude" and Shintaro Morimoto's acting was lovely. He also said that the movie 's dog role reminded him of the director's previous work Sayonara, Kuro. He added that he had to take out a handkerchief as he watched the film.The Japan Times gave Snow Prince a score of 2 out of 5. In the critical review entitled "Weep over this princely pile of slush", Mark Schilling criticized the film as "a weeper that ... left me surprisingly dry eyed" and added that "There's hardly a spark of originality in the entire enterprise, unless you count the casting of Tadanobu Asano – the coolest Japanese actor of his generation – as a sad-but-wise circus clown." Reviewer Matiko Wataru of the "Eiga-Judge" website said that "this innocent and sad tale tragedy of the boy is too simplistic and the screenplay did not do much.". However, the review praised the "beautiful scenery of the city of Shonai" and said the film was a "sad and beautiful combination of children and animals".The Guardian'' rated it third on its list of "The top 10 films of 2009 you probably won't have seen". The reviewer, David Parkinson, praised this work as "the most beautiful children's film of the year". He elaborated by saying, "Everything about this poignant account...is exquisite. The photography and period design are impeccable, while the script deftly acquaints younger viewers with the good that can still emerge from the harsher realities of life.". He ended his review with: "This is the kind of family entertainment that Hollywood has long forgotten how to make." Accolades References External links Kinejun cinema allcinema Films based on works by Ouida Films directed by Joji Matsuoka Films set in the 20th century Films with screenplays by Kundō Koyama Shochiku films Works based on A Dog of Flanders