Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

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

Director:

Lasse Hallström

Writers:

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

Stars:

Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Gere	...	Parker Wilson
Joan Allen	...	Cate Wilson
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa	...	Ken
Sarah Roemer	...	Andy
Jason Alexander	...	Carl
Erick Avari	...	Jasjeet
Davenia McFadden	...	Mary Anne
Robbie Sublett	...	Michael (as Robbie Collier Sublett)
Kevin DeCoste	...	Ronnie - 11 years
Rob Degnan	...	Teddy Barnes (as Robert Degnan)
Tora Hallstrom	...	Heather (as Tora Hallström)
Donna Sorbello	...	Myra
Frank S. Aronson	...	Milton - The Butcher (as Frank Aronson)
Troy Doherty	...	Sal
Ian Sherman	...	Student Pianist

Storyline

In Bedridge, Professor Parker Wilson finds an abandoned dog at the train station and takes it home with the intention of returning the animal to its owner. He finds that the dog is an Akita and names it Hachiko. However, nobody claims the dog so his family decides to keep Hachi.

---

Plot Keywords:

dog | loyalty | japanese | puppy | friend | 

---

Taglines:

A true story of faith, devotion and undying love.

---

Genres:

Drama | Family

---

Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [de]

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English Japanese

Release Date:

12 March 2010 (UK)

Also Known As:

Siempre a tu lado

Filming Locations:

Bristol, Rhode Island, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$16,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£442,753 (UK) (12 March 2010)

Gross:

£1,048,876 (UK) (26 March 2010)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Stage 6 Films, Inferno Distribution, Hachiko

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The baseball game that Parker watches with Hachi is Game 6 of the 1996 World Series, which the New York Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 to win their 22nd World Series championship.

---

Goofs

When Hachi brings the ball to Parker at the station, while Parker opens the door, the reflection of the camera is visible in the window of the door.

---

Quotes

Ken: [Talking in Japanese] It's been a year, hasn't it? I wake up sometimes in the middle of the night and think about Parker. He was a good friend. I understand how you feel. Hachi, my friend, Parker is never coming home. But if Hachiko wants to wait, then Hachiko should wait. You want to wait for him, don't you? Have a long life, Hachi.

---

Connections

Spoofs Seinfeld (1990)

User Reviews

Not sad, but eyes red

Finally a film from the USA (albeit based on a true story in the 1920s Japan) that is without guns, explosions and free of violence and not based at all on romantic elements!

"Love and Loyalty" succinctly sums up the film. The love so simple, so pure and the loyalty so unfailing, so steadfast that it would melt any steel heart. I was so embarrassed that as soon as the film came to the end I dashed straight into the loo only to see my eyes sore red (!!)

The main characters never "take flight" but that matters not at all. It's the simple story of the love between a man and his best friend that more than sufficiently works all the wonders. Not a sad one, but profoundly touching, So touching that even a tough guy like me couldn't possibly hold his tears.

Hachiko, the Akita dog, has set the Yardstick of loyalty under which all loyalty among us human beings are to be measured. Loyalty that is truly monumental. Loyalty that is to be surpassed only by God Himself.

A must-watch film, especially for all dog lovers. Highly recommended for all families and people of all ages.