Hachi
HACHI: A DOG'S TALE (aka
HACHIKO) (U)
D: Lasse Hallström
Stage 6 Films/Inferno (Richard Gere, Bill Johnson & Vicki
Shigekuni Wong)
US/UK 2009
93 mins
Drama
W: Stephen P. Lindsey [based on the screenplay 'Hachi-ko' by
Kaneto Shindo]
DP: Ron Fortunato
Ed: Kristina Boden
Mus: Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
Richard Gere (Parker Wilson), Joan Allen (Cate Wilson), Sarah
Rohmer (Andy Wilson), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Ken Fujiyoshi), Jason Alexander (Carl Boilins), Chico / Layla / Forrest (Hachi)
Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a heartwarming family movie based on a
1987 Japanese movie, which in turn is based on a true story which occurred in Tokyo in the early 20th century.
A
music professor finds an abandoned Akira puppy at his local train station, and after a fruitless search to locate its real owner, take it in himself, beginning a beautiful bond between man and
his best friend.
When tragedy strikes, the bond is tested, making the dog a
legend in the picturesque social community.
Though some moments of the film are quite predictable, the
delivery never feels contrived or manipulative.
It's clear to see that this was a pet project (forgive the
pun) for Richard Gere, who also produced, but the true star are the animal actors who portrayed Hachi.
If you're an animal lover, particularly dogs, this is a film
which will tug on the heartstrings throughout.
8/10
