Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect Director and Screenwriter: Lasse Hallström, Screenplay: Stephen P. Lindsey; Rated G Starring: Richard Gere (Parker), Joan Allen (Cate), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Ken), Sarah Roemer (Andy), Robbie Collier Sublett (Michael), Erick Avari (Jasjeet), Kevin DeCoste (Ronnie), Jason Alexander (Carl) Plot Summary: Quite by chance, 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.
Hachi's new owner, Parker Wilson, is eager to teach his new dog some traditional dog tricks. Naturally, Parker grabs a baseball and tosses it into the yard several feet away. Hachi watches this action with curiosity, runs to the ball, sniffs it, then loses interest. After several tries, the learning session is unsuccessfully ended. Akitas are very independent and intelligent. They are bred for guarding and hunting, therefore a pointless game of fetch won't interest them. They will, however, enjoy going on hikes and playing tug-o-war with a robust length of rope. Something subtle you might have missed: based on a true story... The real Hachikō (ハチ公) was an akita dog who was born on a farm in Japan, the dog was brought to Shibuya, Japan by a professor at the Tokyo Imperial University. The loyal pet would meet his new owner every day at the Shibuya train station the day's commute. The professor unexpectedly died at work in 1925. Until his death in 1935, Hachikō returned to the station almost every day waiting his master's return. His story led to Helen Keller bringing the first Akita to America. This steadfast devotion defines what it means to be loyal to those you love.
"I'm a lot older than you but I tend to think that there's an element of music that cannot be captured. Life cannot be captured. Human heart cannot be captured. The moment of creation itself is fleeting." – Parker Wilson to this college class "I understand how you feel. Hachi, my friend, Parker is never coming home. But if Hachiko wants to wait, then Hachiko should wait. Have a long life Hachi." - Ken "Hachi? Hachi? Oh, old thing! You're still waiting. That's right. If it's all right, could I wait with you for the next train? Yeah? Thanks." - Cate Wilson Dad's Review: Here I thought Old Yeller was the saddest dog movie every filmed. This mutt movie takes the award in that category, and it's not even close. Like many sad films, there is always a richness of development within. The plot's texture draws you in, helps you relate to and sympathize with the film's many faces. Perhaps the greatest strength here is great character building. We really grow to love Parker Wilson, and, of course, the unforgettable Hachi.
My best friend was living in Newark, NJ, and, thanks to a heavy metal DJ in New York City, became the new owner of a black and white akita. On his next visit to PA, he brought along Keegan. As as you can imagine, I was a little apprehensive about a 100-pound dog of Keegan's size and breed reputation around my children. All my worries quickly melted away as the pooch gave my kids a curious sniff then summarily ignored them. I was immediately taken by this dog's quiet, cool personality. Akita's are often labeled as "aloof", and that term fits them to a tee. They are very "reserved", yet not stuck-up (like cats). They don't yip and yap. In fact, they are quite playful, loving and protective. When my pal decided to move back to Texas, he asked if we'd take Keegan, since Texas is so hot, and well, he seemed to enjoy all the family attention. We agreed... and it started our family's love affair with the breed. Below, you can take a look at our Akita Gallery of Fame. This film brilliantly, if lightly, takes the Japanese concepts of mysticism and loyalty, then fuses those with the American culture of pet-infatuation. Dr. Wilson doesn't simply take on a lost dog, Hachi "finds" him, as if the union of person and pet were cosmically necessary. They were meant for each other, as the saying goes. As stated above, this is the film version of a true story. It tugs at the heartstrings of every person who has every had, and lost, man's best friend. Perhaps dogs do find their owners, but I think it goes both ways. Some find us, but we have to be looking. Our Akita Gallery of Fame.
終わり (Owari) On to No. 99... Lavender Downpour
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Defining Moment:
he ain't a collie
Memorable Quotes:
Our
family accidentally discovered this canine breed. At the time,
my young family of five did not have a pet (I don't count the
temporaries: fish, lightning bugs or Hamy, a black bear
hamster). And honestly, I liked it that way. The kids were
running us ragged and pets are a lot of work and expense. Plus,
I just couldn't see keeping a dog cooped up all day in the
house.
