Fridae

This Japanese movie is Quills on steroids — it is about a boy who takes pity on and cares for a baby fox who happens to be blind and deaf, just like Helen Keller. Although the odds are stacked heavily against Helen's favour, Misuzu (Ryoko Kobayashi) turns it into a personal mission to help Helen survive. Unfortunately, after a positive start, Helen's health condition starts to deteriorate...

If you thought Quills tugged at the heartstrings, Helen the Baby Fox yanks at the same strings — with considerable force. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the movie is based on a true story, which of course has been dramatized for the screen. However, an air of authenticity still pervades the movie, and this allows audiences to empathize with the characters with great ease.

Helen the fox is incredibly adorable, and Ryoko is not far behind on the cuteness scale. Coupled with the believable story, only the most stony-hearted will not root for the fox's survival or for Misuzu's efforts. Highly recommended — and not just for animal lovers.