IMDb > Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009)

Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009) More at IMDbPro »

Videos (see all 5 NEW)
Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009) -- Adorable story of a loyal family dog in this trailer
Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009) -- Sinematurk - Trailer (Flash)
Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009) -- Movieplayer.it - Italian Trailer (Flash)
Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009) -- MovieMaze.de - Trailer (Quicktime & Flash)
Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009) -- MoviesTrailer.org - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
8.3/10   152 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
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Director:
Lasse Hallström
Writers (WGA):
Stephen P. Lindsey (screenplay)
Kaneto Shindô (motion picture "Hachiko monogatari")
Contact:
View company contact information for Hachiko: A Dog's Story on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
18 December 2009 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama | Family more
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. | full synopsis
NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek: The Horsemen
 (From MovieScore Magazine. 27 December 2008, 3:19 AM, PST)

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek: Hachiko - A Dog's Story
 (From MovieScore Magazine. 6 December 2008, 8:14 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Just Caught Test Screening more (5 total)

Cast

  (Credited 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
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Hachiko: A Dog's Tale (USA) (working title)
more
Runtime:
93 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Certification:
USA:G | Netherlands:AL
Filming Locations:
Bristol, Rhode Island, USA more

Fun Stuff

Goofs:
Factual errors: The puppies playing Hachiko's part early in the movie are actually Shiba dogs and not Akitas, Hachiko's true breed. more
Movie Connections:
Remake of Hachiko monogatari (1987) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
8 out of 25 people found the following comment useful.
Just Caught Test Screening, 28 June 2009
Author: ignorepeter from United States

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

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Hachiko: A Dog's Story (2009)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
I weep for Akitas! shadowtron
going to take a towel to this movie rdwelder-1
Such a sweet, poignant film... sugarcookie3
What a nice poster (link fixed again :P) augustoeae
Minor Problem (for American remake) tamano
release iluvveronicamarsxox
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