Based on a true story from Japan,
Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a moving
film about loyalty and the rare, invincible bonds that occasionally
form almost instantaneously in the most unlikely places. College
professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) finds a young Akita puppy that's
been abandoned at the local train station, and he's instantly captivated
by the dog. Assuming the dog's owner will return to the train station
to claim him in the morning, Parker takes the puppy home overnight. But
when no one comes to get the dog, Parker convinces his wife, Cate (Joan
Allen), to welcome him as part of the family. He dubs the puppy
Hachiko--Hachi, for short--because of the Japanese symbol for good luck
that's hanging from his collar. Hachi is a somewhat peculiar dog that
refuses to learn to fetch or master other people-pleasing tricks, but he
is a faithful companion and friend to Parker, alerting him of potential
dangers and accompanying him to the train station each morning and
meeting him there after his return trip each evening. An unforeseen
event will continually test Hachi's devotion. This film is neither
overwrought nor sappy; it is heartfelt and immensely powerful despite
its tendency to drag in a few places. Prepare to be moved to tears by
this beautiful, seemingly simple film--it's about so much more than just
the relationship between a man and his dog.
