Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009)

User Rating:

8.3/10   

Director:

Lasse Hallström

Writers (WGA):

Stephen P. Lindsey (screenplay)
Kaneto Shindô (motion picture "Hachiko monogatari")

Release Date:

18 December 2009 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Family

Tagline:

A true story of faith, devotion and undying love.

Plot:

A drama based on the true story of a college professor's bond with the abandoned dog he takes into his home. |

Plot Keywords:

Dog | Based On Short Story | Remake Of Japanese Film | Punctuation In Title | Remake Of Asian Film

Cast

Richard Gere	...	Parker Wilson
Sarah Roemer	...	Andy Wilson
Joan Allen	...	Cate Wilson
Jason Alexander	...	Carl
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa	...	Ken
Erick Avari	...	Shabir
Robert Capron	...	Student
Davenia McFadden	...	Mary Anne
Bates Wilder	...	Dog Catcher
Forest	...	Hachiko
Kevin DeCoste	...	Ronnie
Donna Sorbello	...	Myra
Robbie Sublett	...	Michael
Gloria Crist	...	Commuter
Tora Hallstrom	...	Heather
Ben Skinner	...	Funeral Attendee / Student
Vincent J. Earnshaw	...	Train Station Commuter
Gary Roscoe	...	Pedestrian
Denece Ryland	...	Miss Latham
Donald Warnock	...	Senior Train Conductor
Oscar J. Castillo	...	Train station commuter
Roy Souza	...	Commuter #2
Adam Masnyk	...	Awkward Reacting Boy
Michael Kelly	...	Commuter
Martin Montana	...	Train Station Commuter
Morgan O'Brien	...	Train commuter
Rich Tretheway	...	Mover
Joanne Fanara	...	Commuter
Frank S. Aronson	...	Milton - Butcher
Shane Farrell	...	Dancer / Student
Ian Sherman	...	Student Pianist
Rob Degnan	...	Teddy Barnes
Thomas Tynell	...	Man - New Homeowner
Luke Allard	...	Student

Also Known As:

Hachiko: A Dog's Tale (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

USA:G | Netherlands:AL

Filming Locations:

Bristol, Rhode Island, USA

Company:

Inferno Distribution

Goofs:

Factual errors: The puppies playing Hachiko's part early in the movie are actually Shiba dogs and not Akitas, Hachiko's true breed.

Movie Connections:

Remake of Hachiko monogatari (1987)

Just Caught Test Screening

I just saw a test screening so take the following with that in mind - changes may be made both small and large - one of the very questions was which title of 4 we responded best to.

The Hatchiko story is a real one and it is that fact which most carries the movie. This is a story of companionship and identity...or at least, it wants to be.

Unfortunately, the movie never takes flight. No character is explored at any level deeper than that which a young child would understand. While a tremendous amount of talent was assembled to encircle the gorgeous Akita (the dog is very much the star of the movie,) with such flimsy roles, no great characters are born. And in the case of Joan Allen, a somewhat forced performance gives way to a rather unbelievable character.

But it is the pacing which most cripples the film. At least a dozen slow fade blackouts exaggerate the emotional side of the film, thus, lessening the impact. The passage of time is portrayed very poorly, with nearly 15 years passing and few physical alterations made in any human character.

Still, the story is profound enough to carry it as a quality holiday flick. And if you are a sucker for animals, this one will play right into your wheelhouse.

Neither a particularly skillfully made or daring movie, Hatchiko's got its dog going for it and not too much else.

5 out of 10