The Mexicanino Canine Soccer Team is hoping to win the
Canine World Cup, but to do so, they’ll have to overcome interpersonal pride on
their own team and the imposing Doberweilers of the Herdmany team. Years ago,
the Mexicanino team made it to the finals, but two players’ desire or personal
glory caused conflict which got in the way of the team’s victory. Now, a
veteran player Bernardo is the new national coach; he has built a team of
talents from around the country, including the sons of both of the players who
caused Mexicanino to lose years ago. Bernardo hopes to lead them to victory,
but a greedy player agent tries to rekindle old feuds to line his own pockets.
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
The Adoption
Connection
There is no strong adoption connection in K9 World Cup.
There is a general theme family; two players may live out a feud that their
fathers started years ago. One player’s father does not support his dreams to
play soccer.
Bernardo’s daughter Maite is a soccer reporter. Together, Bernardo
and his daughter remember the wife and mother that they have lost.
One player befriends a young orphan. The player complains
that his father doesn’t like that he is a soccer player; the young dog replies
that his father was run over and his mother left him. The young dog explained
that if he had a dad, he would give up football. The soccer player’s heart is
warmed, and he agrees to spend time with the youngster and teach him how to
play soccer.
Strong Points
Maite encourages him to pursue his dreams, now that she has
achieved her own dreams.
Juancho is very kind to the young orphan he meets, and it appears
that he will continue to care for him and spend time with him – although it is a
bummer that he didn’t provide the youngster tickets to the game (the youngster
is seen trying to crawl under the stadium fence).
Challenges
One character’s father tells him not to bother coming back
home if he leaves to play soccer. Some kids might find the threat of parental rejection
difficult. Another character’s father doesn’t share that he himself had been a soccer
player, instead wanting his son to “write his own story” without feelings as
though he had to follow after his father.
Recommendation
K9 World Cup is an English-language remake of the
Spanish-language film Seleccion Canina. The version I saw was an
English-subtitled Spanish-audio version, but an English language version is
accessible online. This is a simple film with Saturday-morning quality computer
animation. It probably won’t appeal to kids much older than 8 or 9, but for
kids 4-9 who love soccer and dogs, this could be a pleasant way to spend a
morning. Although a young dog discusses having no parents, the conversation is
short, and his words are met with compassion and friendship. The film’s primary
message is that teamwork and camaraderie is more important than selfishly
pursuing one’s own glory. Consider this one for young kids; older kids and
teens will probably find it a bit boring, but young kids might enjoy the story
and benefit from the positive teamwork that the characters eventually exhibit.
Questions for
Discussion
When have you been the most competitive?
Are there any “wrongs” that someone has done against someone
else that you’re angry about?
Do you like sports, or are other things your favorite way to
have fun?
Do you think your parents support your dreams?
What are your dreams and goals?
Do you think Juancho is like a dad, a big brother, or a good
friend to the young dog he met?
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