6/19/10

Hachi


If you've ever loved a pet, or just love animals, this is a must see movie. Hachi - A Dog's Tale, tells the true and famous story of Hachiko a Japanese Akita dog and his legendary loyalty.

We had seen trailers for this Richard Gere movie (with support from Joan Allen and Jason Alexander) and were charmed even by the short clips shown. So despite my fear it would be a big old weepy we went ahead and watched it. Well I wasn't wrong, Kleenex are essential to get through this movie, but it's sad and uplifting, not just sad and upsetting!

Hachi was taken in as a puppy by the Professor (Gere) and they immediately formed a strong and unbreakable bond. Although Hachi being a noble Akita would not 'fetch', he followed the Professor everywhere and their bond was known to the whole community. Hachi would walk with him to the station, return home and then return to the station in time to meet his train every evening. He would sit opposite the doors on a raised area waiting for his master to come home.

But after just over a year together, when the Professor fails to come home one night, Hachi waits for hours in vain. Time moves on and despite a new home and much love Hachi can't settle and still waits for the train everyday. He sleeps under a train and just waits, surviving on the affection and caring of the many commuters and locals who know of him and feel his pain. He even becomes famous after a newspaper article and people send money to look after him.

Hachi waits at the station daily for nine years, an unbelievable testament to loyalty, love and patience.

Hachiko is the most famous dog in Japan. He lived from 1923-1935 and his story is treasured by the Japanese and told to their children as a lesson in loyalty. He is remembered with a bronze statue out side the station and a celebration on April 8 annually. You can read his true story here. Although the movie moves the story from Japan to the USA and puts it in present day, none of this detracts from the story.

I can guarantee this movie will make you weep. But it's charm, wonderful acting and uplifting true story, make it so worthwhile a few tears.

11 comments:

Stella Jones said...

I'm such a softie that I would need two boxes of tissues to watch that! It sounds like our own story of 'Greyfriars Bobby' doesn't it. Animals put us humans to shame, they really do.

Mare said...

The loyalty of dogs amazes me. I love Richard Gere, but I'm afraid it sounds too sad for me.

Anonymous said...

David ordered this movie on Netflix, but there is already a long wait for it. Thanks for the tip.

Kay said...

Yes! Yes! We went to the Hachiko statue this last trip to Japan again. It really is an amazing story. I saw the Richard Gere adaption of Shall We Dance? and I didn't think it was quite as good as the Japanese original. I'll take your word on this movie and will look for it. I think my mom would get a big kick out of it since we all know the story about it.

imac said...

Sounds good.

Expat mum said...

Ooh, I don't think so. I can't get through movies like this. We were watching Animal Planet (with the 7 year old) yesterday and they told the story about a Huskie who walked 80 miles through the Nevada mountains to get home. Silly animal had run away from its master so it was its own fault, but it was still a weepie when he made it home.
(Our dog looks remarkably huskie in the face and tail, so I daren't let her off the leash in case we end up in the same kind of scenario.)

Daryl said...

Oh I think I will pass on this one, too sad for me ...

Sherri said...

Sarah, John and I saw that movie a few weekends ago and what a wonderful movie! I wanted to bring that little puppy home-Hatchi was so cute when he was little. We used to have an Akita when we lived in NJ but he passed away. They are a great breed!

LHA said...

Looks very sweet, but if it's anything like 'Marley & Me', I don't think I can take the emotional turmoil!

Johno said...

Yeah, uh, I don't think so. I am using Kleenex after just reading your description of it. No sad dog stories (uplifting or otherwise) for me and the Mrs. We'll stick to ID Channel and murderous people stories.

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