![]() ![]() The dogs who play the title character often steal the show, as the animal acting is beyond perfect. Hachi the puppy may warm hearts with his youthful exuberance, but it's Hachi the full grown Akita that does the damage. What matters is the central character, the pup with the heart of gold the people whose lives he touched, if only as inspiration, are secondary. The human elements in this film are fine and dandy, but no one cares about that. But this is not your ordinary DTV feature, not by any means, and it wasn't relegated or dumped to home video as some last ditch. What's curious, though, is the fact that, despite a solid enough story and arc, and said acting presence, the film was never truly released in America, with only a few festival showings and screenings. ![]() ![]() The acting in the film is secondary, and honestly, damn near any actor could fill in the roles in this piece, so the fact that an assortment of recognizable faces is involved is commendable. And while the tale has been transplanted from Japan to the American Northeast, the basics of the story remain in place. Even 'Futurama' briefly hit on the story of Hachi, to show years passing. 'Hachi' isn't the first film inspired by the story of Hachiko, as Seijirô Kôyama directed 'Hachikô monogatari' in 1987, and while I haven't had the chance to seek out that film, I'm more than certain it will be the same kind of heart-string-puller that this remake of sorts proves to be. 'Hachi' is the tale of loyalty and love, in the purest sense, as the lengths gone to by man's best friend define the words better than any human act ever could. Hachi soon starts following Wilson to the train station, and begins waiting for him when he comes home on the same train. While his wife Cate (Joan Allen, from the ' Bourne' films) isn't thrilled with the idea of bringing a dog home, eventually Hachi breaks down her resistance and becomes a part of the family. 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale' (originally called 'Hachi: A Dog's Story,' and 'Hachiko: A Dog's Story') centers around the life of Hachiko, a young Akita pup found abandoned at the Bedridge train station by Professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere). The story is ripe for cinematic and literary adaptation. Considering some humans can't even wait for their lovers to return from a weeklong work trip before pursuing new partners to bide their time, the devotion shown by this dog defines the very word itself. Dewey passed away in November 2006.), or any of their brethren, could compare to the story of Hachiko, the Akita who lingered in the Shibuya railroad station in Japan in the 20's and 30's, waiting for his master, Hidesaburo Ueno, years after Ueno had passed on while away at work. But neither of those critters (Faith is still alive. Faith may be recognizable more by picture than name, as the dog born with severely deformed front legs, but the courage she has shown in overcoming adversity to inspire others has far outweighed the shock appeal of any pictures. When a human cries on screen, it can affect us, but when we see an animal struggle in a similar fashion, with human emotions, it will affect us, there's no can about it.ĭewey Readmore Books (yes, that was his voted on name, unfortunately.) inspired many with his uplifting attitude, after being found left in one of the book return slots in a library. There's a special place in all of us for most animals, and not just the stomach. ( K.Let's not beat around the bush: animal stories can be far more uplifting, or heartbreaking, than any story based around human protagonists and their plights. Sentimental, but nevertheless affecting, this tale inspired by a true story is recommended. ![]() Years pass while the locals, including station agent Carl (Jason Alexander), help look after the dog. One day Wilson doesn't return, however, and even though Andy takes in the devoted pet, Haichi continues to return to his old stomping grounds. When no one turns up to claim Haichi, the dog develops a strong bond with Wilson, accompanying him daily to and from the train station. Wife Cate (Joan Allen) disapproves, but adult daughter Andy (Sarah Roemer) harbors hopes that Hachi can stay. Hachi, an Akita, begins life at a Buddhist monastery (whenever the world is depicted from Hachi's point of view, the color disappears from the screen), but is shipped for some unspecified reason to New England, where he eventually runs into Wilson, who takes him in until the owner can be found. In a framing device, Wilson's grandson tells the story in a class report on heroes. Lasse Hallström, who directed My Life as a Dog, returns to his roots with this remake of 1987's Hachikô Monogatari, focusing on Parker Wilson, a music professor (Richard Gere) who develops a spiritual connection to a dog. ![]()
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