A true story of faith, devotion and undying love.

Starring: Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Sarah Roemer, Robbie Collier Sublett, Erick Avari, Jason Alexander

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

DML Top 100 #98 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Hachi: A Dog's Tale

"When I hear about him and Hachi, I feel like I know him. They taught me the meaning of loyalty. That you should never forget anyone that you loved." - Ronnie

Why watch this? This bittersweet canine tale introduces the magnificent Akita breed.

Plot Summary: Quite by accident, a college professor, Parker Wilson, finds a lost puppy at the railroad station near his home. The dog's tag reads simply, "Hachi". Parker takes him home. Over time the dog becomes a trusted member of the family, following Parker everywhere. Hachi soon begins the daily habit of trotting to the rail station each day to await Parker's return from work. Then one evening, unexpectedly, Parker does not get off the train...  

Dad's Preview: Like the plot of the film, my family, through pure luck, became Akita owners and, eventually, lovers. We've enjoyed Keegan, Conan, Miko and Kenji (so far). We love this aloof, protective, and wonderful breed. I was pleasantly surprised when this lovely movie came out. What I did not expect was for it to be so dog-gone good! The film features top stars in Gere and Allen, but it is the plot (loosely based on the true story of a real Japanese Akita named Hachikō) that will draw you in, and help you understand the loyalty of these unique canines. Warning, tissues will be needed. I'm bawling just watching the trailer for the tenth time.

Affirm Films, Hachiko LLC, Grand Army Ent. LLC, Opperman Viner Chrystyn Ent.,
Scion Films, Inferno Production; Stage 6 Films, Sony Pictures Ent.