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 | |
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Davenia McFadden | ... | Mary Anne |
Robbie Sublett | ... | Michael (as Robbie Collier Sublett) | |
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Kevin DeCoste | ... | Ronnie - 11 years |
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Rob Degnan | ... | Teddy Barnes (as Robert Degnan) |
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Tora Hallström | ... | Heather |
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Donna Sorbello | ... | Myra |
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Frank S. Aronson | ... | Milton - The Butcher (as Frank Aronson) |
Troy Doherty | ... | Sal | |
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Ian Sherman | ... | Student Pianist |
Commuting by rain, music professor Parker Wilson finds an Akita puppy, whose cage broke unnoticed during shipping, leaving his destination unknown, and since the station can't care for it and the dog catcher warns even such cute ones may not be adopted in the two weeks allowed, kindly takes it home. His bossy, jealous wife Cate initially makes Parker swear it won't stay, but by the time its' clear nobody will claim him and an adoption candidate is found, she agrees to keep the dog, who won over their daughter Andy and her fiance Michael at first sight. Parker's Japanese college friend Ken inspires naming the pup Hachi(ko), and is pleasantly surprised when Parker successfully tackles he challenge to get it to fetch, which Akitas don't naturally do. Hachi makes a habit of waiting for his equally doting master at the station every evening, but after a cardiac crisis, Parker dies. Hachi refuses to accept this, being moved to Michael's home as Cate moves out, waiting for a master who can ... Written by KGF Vissers
Finally a film without explosions, computer graphics, and violence. A family film with a message. Adults will relate to the story of life-long friendship and loyalty. Children will love the "dog story" A tender story will huge box office potential. The possible "sleeper hit" of the holidays. Pet lovers everywhere will relate to this film and will leave theaters in tears. A weepy, wonderful film about the bond that develops between one man and a dog after a chance meeting at a train station. Bring extra tissues! Based on a true story, this film was shot mostly in Woonsocket, Rhode Island at a historic old train station. Beautifully shot and edited. The film runs less than 2-hours. The film generally adheres to the actual true story of a dog in Japan. The dog became a national treasure and a monument was erected to honor him.