Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
Posted on September 25, 2010 at 3:25 pm
B+| Lowest Recommended Age: | Kindergarten - 3rd Grade |
| MPAA Rating: | G |
| Profanity: | None |
| Alcohol/ Drugs: | None |
| Violence/ Scariness: | Sad death |
| Diversity Issues: | None |
| Date Released to Theaters: | 2008 |
| Date Released to DVD: | March 9, 2010 |
| Amazon.com ASIN: | B0031RAOVY |
This tender tale of a loyal dog is inspired by a real story about a dog who has become a beloved legend in Japan and is memorialized in a popular statue.
Richard Gere plays a professor who finds an abandoned Akita puppy at a railroad station. He and his wife (Joan Allen) keep the dog, and while Hachi never learns any of the usual tricks, he shows his devotion by coming to the station every night to meet his master, even after a tragic separation.
Though it has top stars, a heart-warming story, and an outstanding director (Lasse Hallström of “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “The Cider House Rules”), the movie never got a theatrical release. You can see it this weekend on the Hallmark channel and it is available on DVD. (NOTE: a sad death, sensitively handled)
After reading your recommendation we hired this DVD at the weekend. We are dog lovers and this film tugged at our heartstrings. Just a lovely and uplifting film.
Oh, thank you so much for letting me know, Jeannette! I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed this lovely film. Let me also recommend the documentary “My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story.”
I saw it last night on TV and I was blubbering like a baby by the end of the movie! It was a very nice movie.
Thanks, Lori! I am so glad you saw it.
Good movie. People who are not dog lovers probably don’t understand the bond that develops between an owner and his pet. They are very sensitive to your voice, actions, health and emotions. My cocker spaniel was sitting with me during the movie.
Aw, that’s sweet, Mike! Great comment, thanks.
I saw the movie fore the first time on Saturday, and I was balling my eyes out, especially at the end! Even my husband cried at the end. It is such a great story! How can some people say that dogs are not smart or that they do not understand anything! These people must be the most ignorant on earth!! I love all animals, but only dogs have such unconditional love and devotion!
Thanks so much, Gita! I am so happy this true story was so lovingly brought to the screen.
My wife and I watched the movie this weekend. Really, really good and a real tear jerker. This really reminded me of a dog I had as a 11 year old. He would follow me to school (about 12 blocks) sunny, rain or snow and be sitting there next to my bike ready to follow me home. He also went with me while delivering newspapers. My parents had to let him go to another home when I came down with asthma.
Also had a terrific German Sheppard when my wife and I were married that went everywhere with me. Also sadly missed and that was almost 30 years ago.
Oh, Barry, thanks so much for sharing those stories. A great comment and much appreciated.
Fabulous story! I am a dog lover and could not stop crying. I have experienced loyalty from both sides and could relate completely.
Thank you, Linda! I am so glad you saw this wonderful film.
awesome movie heart wrenching i’m an animal lover so just loved it
I will never ever forget this film. A very touching film that made me cry and even my sis. Even I watch it for the nth times I will never get bored. To all the dog lovers please watch it. For sure you will cry. I fell in love with the movie.