Hachi: A Dog’s Tale [2009]
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Written by: Stephen P. Lindsey
Cast: Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Jason Alexander, Sarah Roemer
2009 drama is a 21st century look into the story presented 22 years earlier in the Japanese film Hachikō Monogatari, in turn based on the astonishing true story that took place in that country in the 20’s. Hallstrom and Lindsey’s approach to the material is a little heavy-handed, but that doesn’t make it any less moving. It often falls prey to dangerous, Hallmark-y trappings, but it’s, on the whole, a very touching portrait of undying love and devotion.
The humans in Hachi do their jobs well, but it’s the titular Akita, portrayed by Chico, Layla and Forrest, who carries all the weight of this movie. Animals like these really make you wonder if there are species other than us who are able to, you know, act. These marvelous dogs deserve to be named alongside other spectacular canine performers like the six Brussels Griffons that played “Verdell” in As Good as It Gets or “Cosmo” from last year’s Beginners. One of the last scenes, featuring an ailing Hachi and Joan Allen’s Cate, is one of the most heartbreaking scenes I’ve ever watched.
Also of note is Jan A.P. Kaczmarek’s score. Despite the cheese, there’s some serious quality in this little film, so it’s surprising it went straight to home media; it didn’t deserve that. A must for dog lovers.
Wonderful review. Love your comparison to As Good As It Gets–were there really six Brussels Griffons that played the dog in that movie?! You’ve piqued my interest, even though I had never heard of this before.
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Thanks!
Yes, I had no idea that there were as many as six but that’s what I found.
And, like I said, it didn’t get a theatrical release in the US so it’s not very popular, but over here it’s known as one of the ultimate tear-jerkers of recent years.
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Your assesment that it “falls prey to dangerous, Hallmark-y trappings” is valid, but it’s also really sweet. If you’re a dog lover, you will melt when you watch this.
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Yes, you’re right. Despite being very cheesy at times, it won me over. Very sweet and very moving.
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Great little film this one Fernando. I had a review myself recently and accidentally deleted it. Doh!
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Haha, that sucks. Well, maybe you’ll write another one when you see it again.
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After seeing Uggie in the Artist, I will never poo poo a dog in a film again. Look forward to checking this out.
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That’s another great one, but my favorite 2011 movie dog was Cosmo from Beginners. Check Hachi out when you have the chance. If you lovee dogs, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
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Oh I want to see this one, but I heard it’s rather sad. I LOVE dogs and I know I’d be a basket case watching this one, better stock up on tissues when I do.
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It IS very sad, but nothing bad happens to the dog directly, so I’d say you can endure it!
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Dog movies make me cry without fail. I always have a hard time with them. This one sounds really endearing I just don’t know if I could ever watch it.
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You should do it. It’s very moving and the dog is so unbearably cute. Yes, you’ll cry but so has everyone who’s seen it.
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Great review, Fernando! Even though I don’t like cheese, I fear I would be won over by the cute dog! Cosmo from Beginners stole my heart, as does pretty much every canine in cinema! I’m very easily won over. I’m not quite sure I’ll be able to handle the heartbreaking ending though, especially if it’s to do with the dogs untimely death!
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I do love dogs as well, and dogs in movies always steal my heart. I loved Cosmo too, he was incredible.
About the ending, the sad road it takes is somewhat unexpected. At least it was for me. I’d say you should give it a chance.
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