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Hachi: A Dog’s Tale Review

12 Mar 2010

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

A remake of a 1987 Japanese film, based on a true story, this tear-jerker is all the more effective for underplaying its surefire man-and-dog romance and keeping Beethovenian hijinx to a minium.

Music teacher Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) brings home a mystery puppy, who has the Japanese character ‘hachi’ (eight) on his collar, and overcomes resistance from his wife (Joan Allen) before being allowed to keep him. Hachi becomes Parker’s constant companion, accompanying him to the station for his morning commute, waiting all day for him. Then, one day, Parker doesn’t come home …

Seriously, you’d have to be a clinical sociopath not to suffer a little eye-moistening in the last act. Lasse Hallstrom, a director it’s not cool to like, has more hits than misses on his resumé, and pitches this one perfectly.

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• DVD & Streaming

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

• Drama , Kids

Content Caution

In Theaters

• Richard Gere as Parker Wilson; Sarah Roemer as Andy Wilson; Joan Allen as Cate Wilson; Erick Avari as Jess; Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Ken; Jason Alexander as Carl

Home Release Date

• March 9, 2010
• Lasse Hallström

Distributor

• Sony Pictures

Positive Elements   |   Spiritual Elements   |   Sexual & Romantic Content   |   Violent Content   |   Crude or Profane Language   |   Drug & Alcohol Content   |   Other Noteworthy Elements   | Conclusion

Movie Review

AN AUDIO SNAPSHOT REVIEW

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale begins when professor Parker Wilson discovers a cute puppy stranded at the local train station. The kindly college prof can’t bear to leave the pup in the wintry elements, so he takes him home for the night. But one night becomes two and soon Hachi is a permanent part of the family. In fact, with time the happy canine learns to accompany his master to the train station in the morning and greet him there every evening.

One sad day, however, the professor falls deathly ill at the college and never returns to the station. But even after Hachi is taken many miles away to live with the teacher’s daughter, the dog somehow finds his way back to the station to wait. Year after year the faithful animal continues to hold his vigil. And the railway station’s vendors and commuters come to love the dog who’s unyielding devotion teaches them the true meaning of loyalty.

Featuring Richard Gere and Joan Allen, this is a simple but involving adaptation of a true story. It’s a tender tale that offers lessons of friendship, commitment and love. And it’s a family film that actually says positive things about marriage and family—while keeping things tail-waggingly clean.

Positive Elements

Spiritual elements, sexual & romantic content, violent content, crude or profane language, drug & alcohol content, other noteworthy elements.

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Hachi: A Dog’s Story

A loyal Akita demonstrates the meaning of unconditional love in Lasse Hallstrom's simple tearjerker.

By Alissa Simon

Alissa Simon

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A loyal Akita demonstrates the meaning of unconditional love in Lasse Hallstrom ‘s simple tearjerker “Hachi: A Dog’s Story.” Sentimental, repetitive tale of a university professor ( Richard Gere , also producing) losing his heart to a lost puppy harks back to the values, production and otherwise, of an earlier era. No “Marley and Me,” despite a few comic setpieces, pic faces a marketing challenge due to its retro feel and relative dullness. It’s family-friendly rather than family fare; kids are likely to be bored stiff. Ancillary will probably draw the biggest numbers.

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Inspired by real events that occurred in 1920s Japan, as well as the 1987 Nipponese blockbuster “Hachiko monogatari” directed by Seijiro Koyama, the problematic script by Stephen P. Lindsay transposes the action to a small New England town in the 1990s. His imaginary burg of Bedridge (here repped by Rhode Island’s Woonsocket and Bristol) is an idyllic bedroom suburb full of friendly tradespeople, apparently without a leash law and with no dog catcher in sight.

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A 2007-set framing story starts with 11-year-old Ronnie (Kevin Decoste) telling his class why his grandfather’s dog Hachi embodies heroism. Pic segues to the cold winter night when Parker Wilson (Gere) finds the pooch (played by extremely cute but continuity-confusing Shiba Inu puppies of different sizes) on the local train platform. It’s love at first sight.

Sure that someone will claim the animal, Parker hauls it to the large home he shares with wife Cate ( Joan Allen ). She’s ultimately persuaded that the rambunctious pup should stay when she sees her hubby on his hands and knees as he models the art of fetching. The dog gets his name when Parker’s Japanese colleague Ken (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) translates the tag on its collar as Hachi, the Japanese word for “eight.”

After an unidentified length of time passes, Hachi appears fully grown (now played by three regally expressive Akitas) and a bit more obedient. He accompanies Parker to the train station and returns again to escort him home every day. The town’s many commuters, as well as station ticket agent Carl (Jason Alexander) and hot-dog vendor Jasjeet (Erick Avari), regularly witness the pair’s mutual affection.

When the day comes that Parker doesn’t get off the train, Hachi is unable to process the notion that his master will not return. For 10 years, progressively more broken in body, he stands vigil at the station, his fidelity inspiring newspaper celebrity and subsequent donations for his care.

If audience reaction at the screening caught is any indication, the theme of time passing and never forgetting the one you loved is most likely to resonate with older viewers. Even so, the dog’s silent distress and dignity will move all but the hardest hearts.

Pic’s main problem is that its human story lacks drama; Hachi’s the central attraction. As thesps who advise their colleagues never to work with dogs realize, it’s hard to compete with these natural scene-stealers. Every one of the canines here evinces such sensitivity and charisma that the filmmakers felt obliged to run a disclaimer stressing that Akitas are not suited to casual pet owners.

Although Geregets points for being licked and jumped on and even sharing the bathtub with a dog, Parker isn’t one of his most memorable roles. Indeed, all of the characters suffer from being defined almost solely by their relationship to the dog: Allen is almost wasted as the understanding wife forced to share her hubby’s caresses. A scene near the end does allow her to show some real emotion, but even then it’s buried in a dog pelt.

Hallstrom, worlds away from the sharp observations of “My Life as a Dog,” seems overly comfortable in the rut of sentimental comic dramas he’s fallen into. Although he mostly avoids the maudlin, he does offer up some irritating doggie-cam moments, a sepia vision of the world through Hachi’s eyes that doesn’t serve any real purpose except to generate a cheap laugh or an “aww.”

Tech credits are fine apart from the overuse of Jan A.P. Kaczmarek’s lachrymose score.

• Production: A Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group presentation of an Inferno, Stage 6 Films production, in association with Opperman Viner Chrystyn Entertainment, Hachi, Grand Army Entertainment, Scion Films. (International sales: Sony Pictures Worldwide, Los Angeles.) Produced by Vicki Shigekuni Wong, Bill Johnson, Richard Gere. Executive producers, Jim Seibel, Paul Mason, Jeff Abberley, Julia Blackman, Warren T. Goz, Stewart McMichael. Co-producer, Dean Schnider. Co-executive producers, Tom Luse, Sam Frankel. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom. Screenplay, Stephen P. Lindsay, based on the motion picture "Hachiko monogatari," written by Kaneto Shindo, directed by Seijiro Koyama.
• Crew: Camera (color), Ron Fortunato; editor, Kristina Boden; music, Jan A.P. Kaczmarek; production designer, Chad Detwiller; costume designer, Deborah Newhall; sound (Dolby Digital/SDDS/DTS), Anton Gold; dog trainer, Boone Narr; associate producers, Michael Viner, Dwight Opperman, Julie Chrystyn, Roxanna Farzaneh. Reviewed at Seattle Film Festival (Contemporary World Cinema), June 11, 2009. Running time: 93 MIN. (English, Japanese dialogue)
• With: Parker Wilson - Richard Gere Cate Wilson - Joan Allen Ken - Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Carl - .Jason Alexander Jasjeet - Erick Avari Ronnie - Kevin Decoste

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Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Time out says.

Lasse Hallström’s waggy mutt tale is based on a true story – transplanted from 1930s Japan to contemporary New England – about a faithful Akita dog called Hachi. Hallström’s unfussy, effective film uses several visual techniques – dog’s eye-view black-and-white footage, sped-up time frames – to tell the often moving tale of Parker Wilson (Richard Gere), a music professor and family man who surrenders to the charms of dog ownership.

When Parker dies and his family sells up and moves away, Hachi legs it back to the railway station where his owner used to arrive home from work and keeps vigil there for almost a decade. Sensitively directed and rarely over-sentimental, this touching parable will likely ravish the emotions of dog lovers. Yet the film is as much about the emotional fallout of death as about a mutt’s loyalty and devotion. As a dog owner, I must confess to having had a large lump in the throat throughout. So call me soppy.

Release Details

• Release date: Friday 12 March 2010
• Duration: 93 mins

Cast and crew

• Director: Lasse Hallström
• Richard Gere
• Jason Alexander

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Hachi: a dog's tale.

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Wonderful, emotional, full of meaning, so heart touching ❤️, love & devotion dog to man, heartwarming and a series beating of the tissue box, hope & loyality, inspiring and heartbreaking, what to watch next.

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The Literature Times

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale – Netflix Movie Review – Shaheen Kazi

“Unforgettable Biopic of a Beautiful Soul.”

I recently watched a stunning movie on Netflix that left me completely mesmerised. The film features a captivating storyline that revolves around the heartwarming relationship between a loyal dog named Hachi and his owner, Peter. It’s impossible not to be touched by the unconditional love and devotion Hachi shows towards his owner. I was so moved by the heartwarming scenes that I couldn’t stop crying for hours after watching the movie.

This movie is based on a true story in Japan during the 1920s, making it even more remarkable. Man’s best friend is undoubtedly his dog, and the family movie Hachi: A Dog’s Story beautifully illustrates the love, loyalty, and faithfulness that dogs can exhibit towards their human companions. Even though Hachi’s owner passes away, he never loses hope. He demonstrates his unwavering devotion by returning to the same spot daily for over a decade, waiting for his beloved owner to return. While it is heartbreaking to know that his owner will never walk through that door again, it is also incredibly heartwarming to witness Hachi’s loyalty. Every character in the movie played their role exceptionally well, leaving a profound impact on me. Hatchi: A Dog’s Story culminated in a masterpiece that will forever be etched in my memory. I was moved to tears by the raw emotions and heart-wrenching performances that unfolded on the screen. The movie has a rare quality that transcends words and elicits a gamut of difficult-to-describe emotions. It was an unforgettable experience that touched my soul in ways I never thought possible. It’s unbelievable that an animal or a human would wait for someone they love for nine years. Hachiko, a dog, must have had immense love for his owner that he was willing to stay in front of the station every day at the right time for nine years, equivalent to seven decades in dog years. It is truly awe-inspiring to learn about dogs’ incredible intelligence and emotional depth. One example of such brilliance is the story of Hachiko, a real-life dog who displayed almost unbelievable devotion, patience, and perseverance. Hachiko learned how to read the time, and he would wait at the train station at the same time every day for nine years, all in the hope of reuniting with his owner. The depth of love and loyalty that Hachiko displayed is truly remarkable and serves as a testament to the extraordinary nature of animals.

This movie is a masterpiece that examines the complex themes of love and loyalty in a thought-provoking way. It presents a unique perspective that will stay with you long after the film ends. However, it can be emotionally intense, so if you are particularly sensitive to complex subject matter, you should approach this movie cautiously. Nonetheless, I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates great storytelling and impactful cinema. “If I could travel back to the period of Hachi from 1925 to 1935, I would have given him immense affection and provided him with food, companionship, and a permanent home. Hachi will always be remembered all over the world for the loving and loyal dog he was. Rest in peace, Hachi. It’s heartbreaking to imagine the pain and loneliness that Hachi may have felt after his owner passed away.” Overall, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a rollercoaster of emotions and witness the incredible bond between a dog and its owner. This movie is a masterpiece and deserves a 1,000-star rating. Everyone should watch it at least once.

A big honourable salute to Hachiko.!!!! Long live the story of Hachi!

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Primitive Dogs » Dogs Media » Movies » Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (MOVIE)

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (MOVIE)

Release date: 13 June 2009 (USA) Director: Lasse Hallström Writers: Stephen P. Lindsey (screenplay), Kaneto Shindô (screenplay for the original Japanese movie “ Hachikō Monogatari “) Stars: Richard Gere , Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa , Joan Allen , and others. Runtime: 93 min

“ Hachi: A Dog’s Tale ” is a heartbreaking movie of the great loyalty between the dog and its owner. It is based on a true story , which originally took place in Japan, in Shibuya , Tokyo. The story’s main protagonist was a dog Hachikō , which is in this American movie adaptation of the incredible story called Hachi . In the main role is the famous Hollywood star Richard Gere , who plays a professor Parker Wilson , an American counterpart of the actual professor Hidesaburō Ueno , Hachikō’s owner. Peter’s wife Cate Wilson is nicely played by Joan Allen , while Hachi is portrayed by three Akita Inu dogs, Layla, Chico, and Forrest . Strangely, for the role of a small Hachi they used a Shiba Inu puppy. I’m still trying to figure out why. Maybe because a small Shiba Inu is prettier, or maybe because it resembles the grown-up Akita Inu look more closely. Not sure.

Layla, Chico, and Forrest are all Hachi :)

In the end, it doesn’t matter that much, we all used to see such extra makeup in Hollywood movies. Thankfully, it is the only minor complaint I had with this adaptation, which is OK since I’m very picky when it comes to every form of art, not just movies. Honestly, I don’t like these Hollywood adaptations of foreign movies, books or stories. They often come as soulless, over the top, CGI ridden “ commercials ” of the actual stories they are based upon. I mean, just look at that recent Hobbit adaptation. It has everything except, well, the brain. With that in mind, it is quite surprising how lovely and touching this adaptation actually is. CGI was used sporadically, the story kept its soul, and everything seemed in place with both feet firm on the ground, which is quite rare in latest Hollywood productions. Bravo!

The Real Story Of Hachi

Like I said, the movie depicts, in its own right, the events of the actual true story. Speaking of that true story, the core is more or less the same, but the movie has its own “flavours”, of course. Peter Willson is a renowned professor, loved by students and everybody else. How classy. He has a wonderful wife and a son, you know, the innocent picture of a lovely American family, which is actually quite functional in this movie. This is, after all, a family drama with ordinary folks . No guns blazing, no psychopaths, no aliens, no violence, you get the picture. And, the good thing is you actually get attached to these particular characters, I’m sure some of you will definitely recognize themselves in these roles. Besides, there are beautiful primitive dogs , all in the role of Hachi, who, for the most part, steals the spot. Hachi will definitely charm you !

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

All this serves well for the emotional side of the story, which is quite sad and awe inspiring at the same time. I don’t wanna spoil the details for those who don’t know the actual story, but in short traits, it goes something like this. The professor Peter is living in a small place and he has to travel every day by train to the college he is working at. One day, at the train station, he finds an abandoned dog and decides to adopt him, despite his wife complaints. Later on, a professor gets attached to his loyal furry friend. The dog follows him day by day to the train station when going to college. Also, at that same train station, Hachi always awaits Peter returns home after work. Unfortunately, one day a professor dies while at work. He never again returns to the train station, but his dog continues waiting for him years after.

As you can see, it is quite a sad story. I won’t deny, I cried like a baby. Just wanted to hug that cute Hachi, to tell him something, to do anything to make him stop waiting. Trust me, you’ll sit in silence with tears in your eyes long after the movie ends. At the same time, somewhere deep inside your soul, you will be happy to know such loyal friendship and innocent love are still possible in this cruel world. How emotional and inspiring tale in the best way imaginable. I loved this movie for so many reasons. The story is touching and unforgettable, the acting is fine, Hachi is wonderful (those three Akita Inu dogs in the main role are just phenomenal), the music is appropriate, the setting is adequate, etc. In short, everything just works on so many levels.

An Honest Recommendation

I cannot recommend you this movie enough, it is that good. “ Hatchi: A Dog’s Tale ” is suitable for all generations, for everybody, but the faint hearted. Yeah, it is heavily emotional and striking, which can make you feel broken and desperate. Personally, I’m not that fond of such movies. You know that feeling, why should I watch the movie, which makes me cry? But, still, there is something about this movie, which makes you a better man, which makes you look at the world from another angle. It represents an innocent and breathtaking vision of true love we all strive to feel and share. So, without further delay, find yourself a copy of this wonderful movie , take a deep breath and immerse yourself. I’m sure you’ll love it! Oh, and prepare some handkerchiefs to wash your tears away because they will be raining ;)

Find out more about Akita Inu and Shiba Inu   breeds…

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Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

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Hachi: A Dogs Tale

Dove review.

Who doesn’t fall in love with a cute and cuddly puppy? Especially one that is all alone at a train station. Our story starts out with a young boy giving a speech to his class about his hero. His choice for his topic is his grandfather’s dog, Hachi.

Parker Wilson is a professor and takes the train everyday. One day as he returns he finds this small puppy and takes him home. No one ever clams the lovable pup. Parker and Hachi (a name that was derived from a Chinese symbol from a tag that he wore) became inseparable. Hachi followed Parker to the train station every day no matter how much his master tried to make the dog stay. Then one day Parker became ill and never returned. But the loyalty Hachi had for Parker stays with this dog for years. Day after day he returned to the train station to wait and along the way instill love, compassion and loyalty to all who came in contact with him at the station.

Based on a true story, this film is a heartwarming while heart-breaking story of loyalty. I must warn you that you will want to have the Kleenex ready for this one. We award this movie the Dove”Family-Approved” Seal for all ages.

Dove Rating Details

Married couple in bed together; couple kissing.

Couple drinking wine; man having a beer.

Man dies of heart attack; dog dies of old age; man lies about finding the dog.

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HACHI: A DOG’S TALE

"incredible loyalty".

What You Need To Know:

(B) A strong moral worldview showing very impressive loyalty; no foul language; no sex scenes, but married couple scene in bed together but covered up; no nudity; no violence; and nothing else objectionable.

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If you love dogs and you want to drain your tear ducts and fill a handkerchief, see HACHI: A DOG’S TALE. It has all the conflict of a good night’s sleep and at times is so slow you may wish to fast forward, but if you have the patience to endure, the full effect is heart rending. You will remember HACHI: A DOG’S TALE.

The movie opens with an Akita puppy being shipped from Japan to the United States. The puppy arrives in a crate at a commuter train station in a Northeastern US suburb. The dog crate falls off a cart and the puppy escapes, only to be found by Professor Parker Wilson (played by Richard Gere). The professor tries to find the puppy a home but winds up getting attached and keeping the dog.

The remarkable thing about this dog is that it learns to accompany his master to the commuter train station each morning, returns home, then comes back to the station just in time to meet his master. Much of the movie is a love story between a dog and his owner. The professor tries unsuccessfully to train Hachi to fetch a ball, but they both get blasted by a skunk. But, this is not some Beethoveen-the-dog style comedy. It can get a bit tiresome as the love between dog and master grows.

What makes this movie worth seeing is the very long last act by the dog. Don’t look for a daring rescue. Don’t put down your money hoping for cute antics. Be prepared to see a dog show a city the meaning of loyalty.

HACHI: A DOG’S TALE is based on a true story from the 1920’s in Japan. It was made into a popular Japanese movie in 1987. This version ships the Akita puppy to the US and Americanizes the setting. What rings true about it is the loyalty possible in a dog.

Television review: ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’

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The packet that arrived from the Hallmark Channel with the screener for “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” was topped by a faux hand-written note insisting, in an almost threatening manner: “This time you will cry for real.” It also included this odd statement: “ Richard Gere has no explanation as to why the critically acclaimed film did not get a U.S. theatrical window.”

True, the film has made more than $40 million worldwide, but after watching it, the explanation seems abundantly clear. “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” is based on the true story of an Akita so devoted to his master that he waited for him each day at a Tokyo train station. After the man, a Japanese college professor, died in 1925, the dog continued his daily vigil for nine years until his death. A series of newspaper stories turned Hachiko into a national symbol for loyalty; a bronze statue of him was erected in the place where he had so patiently waited.

But the things that make a great newspaper story are not necessarily the same things that make a great film, no matter how hard everyone tries. And everyone tries hard in “Hachi.”

Director Lasse Hallström (“The Cider House Rules,” “My Life as a Dog”) and writer Stephen P. Lindsey are to be admired for their firm anti-”Marley & Me” stance. Their tale is simple, told through a child describing his grandfather’s dog as his “hero.” Coming home one night by train, college music professor Parker Wilson (Gere) finds an Akita puppy who has busted out of his unlabeled crate. The train station manager (played, for no apparent reason, by Jason Alexander) wants nothing to do with the dog, and so Parker takes him home to his inexplicably irritated wife, Cate ( Joan Allen).

Exuding his not inconsiderable charm, Gere makes Parker boyish enough to put a dirty ball in his mouth in an attempt to teach Hachi to fetch. Cate inevitably melts, allowing her husband to keep the dog, which, Parker discovers through his wise Japanese professor buddy, Ken ( Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), is a rare breed, known for its singular ability to read and bond with people.

Hachi quickly grows in size and devotion, accompanying Parker to the train station every morning and greeting him with heart-warming joy each evening. At times, Hallström gives us a black-and-white glimpse of a dog’s-eye view, which, if nothing else, breaks the monotony of the Parkers’ seemingly idyllic academic-in-white-farmhouse existence. It rains, it snows, Hachi jumps for joy when Parker shows up.

Then Parker dies unexpectedly, and Hachi begins his famous vigil. The community realizes what is happening and commuters begin leaving money and food; soon there is a newspaper article about the dog who waits.

The dogs who play Hachi are lovely to look at, expressive in a cool, almost intellectual way that more promiscuously affectionate breeds, like golden retrievers, are not. But watching a dog wait day after day has its cinematic limitations, which are quickly reached. Even more disturbing is the nature of the film’s theme, especially couched as a boy’s definition of heroism: Hachi’s world ends with the death of his master. He cannot move on, emotionally or literally, cannot transfer his affections even to Cate, which makes his tale, at least in Western terms, much more tragic than inspiring.

But you will cry, for real. Guaranteed.

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Mary McNamara is a culture columnist and critic for the Los Angeles Times. Previously she was assistant managing editor for arts and entertainment following a 12-year stint as television critic and senior culture editor. A Pulitzer Prize winner in 2015 and finalist for criticism in 2013 and 2014, she has won various awards for criticism and feature writing. She is the author of the Hollywood mysteries “Oscar Season” and “The Starlet.” She lives in La Crescenta with her husband, three children and two dogs.

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Hachi: A Dog's Tale

• Professor Wilson discovers a lost Akita puppy on his way home. Despite objections from his wife, Hachi endears himself to the family and grows to be Parker's loyal companion. As their bond grows deeper, a beautiful relationship unfolds.
• Commuting by train, 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, he kindly takes it home. His bossy, jealous wife Cate initially makes Parker swear it won't stay, but by the time it's clear nobody will claim him and no 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 the challenge to get it to fetch, which Akitas don't usually 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 never come home again, by now collectively adopted by sympathizing town-folk. The story is told in flashbacks as class assignment 'my hero' by Michael's teen son Robbie, who also gets an Akita puppy. — KGF Vissers
• A schoolboy reports on his hero: Hachiko, his grandfather's dog. In a flashback, a puppy at a Japanese monastery is crated and sent to the US. The crate's tag tears, and when the puppy pushes his way out of the crate at the train station of a small Rhode Island town, Parker Wilson, a professor of music in nearby Providence, takes the dog home for the night. His wife isn't happy about it, but after failing to find the owner, she lets the dog stay. A Japanese friend reads the dog's tag - "Hachiko" or "Eight," a lucky number. Parker can't teach the dog to fetch, but the friend explains that the dog will forge a different kind of loyalty. Tragedy tests that loyalty. — <[email protected]>
• Eleven year old Robbie is giving an oral class report on the topic of "My Hero", his chosen subject, Hachi, who on the surface is an unusual choice. Several years earlier, Parker Wilson, who lives in Bedridge in suburban New York City, is a college music/performing arts professor, he who makes the train commute to/from the city every working day. It is on one of those routine days going home that he finds at the Bedridge Station a puppy, who he eventually will learn was being shipped somewhere unknown, with the shipping tag lost. He also learns from Ken, a Japanese professor friend, that the dog is a Japanese breed called an Akita, and that the Japanese character on the dog's collar tag is the number eight - "hachi". Parker does whatever he can to find out who the dog belongs to, and although his many acquaintances around the train station do their small part in helping Parker, no one is willing to take the dog, even temporarily. So Parker takes the dog home, despite he and his wife Cate long having dismissed the idea of having a dog. However Parker is able to convince her to let the dog stay temporarily. Eventually on the high probability that they will never find the dog's owner, Cate, upon seeing the interaction between the two, lets Parker permanently keep the dog, who he has since named Hachi. Although living in the Wilson home with Parker, Cate and their daughter Andy, Hachi becomes not a Wilson family pet, not Cate's, not Andy's, but Parker's alone as a special bond forms between the two. Although not a "typical" dog in that Hachi will do not what most dogs do such as fetch, Hachi demonstrates an unwavering and lifelong loyalty to Parker in an unusual way that all around him can see. Robbie chose Hachi as his hero because of this loyalty, despite he never having met Parker, who in nonetheless an important part of his life. — Huggo
• Before the entire class, young Ronnie tells the story of his grandfather's exceptional Akita dog. As Ronnie starts to recount the chance encounter of his grandfather, the college music teacher, Parker Wilson, with the abandoned puppy that accidentally ended up in the professor's hometown of Rhode Island, an incredible story of loyalty and devotion begins to unfold. Indeed, at first, Parker intended to find the dog's owner; but, instead, after realising that nobody claims the dog, he decided to keep the abandoned puppy, naming it Hachiko. Then, tragedy struck, giving the perfect example of the strong, the unwavering, and sometimes, the unexplainable bond that can form between a man and an animal. — Nick Riganas
• This heartwarming true story is an American adaptation of a Japanese tale about a loyal dog named Hachiko. This very special friend would accompany his master to the train station every day and return each afternoon to greet him after work. Sadly his master goes to work one day, but dies at work and never returns to the station. Hachiko faithfully returns to the same spot at the station that evening, and every day until the last day of his life, to wait for his beloved master. During his daily visits, Hachiko touches the lives of many who work near and commute through the train station square. He teaches the local people love, compassion and above all, unyielding loyalty. Today, a bronze statue of Hachiko sits in his waiting spot outside the Shibuya station in Japan as a permanent reminder of his devotion and love. (NOTE: There is also a bronze statue of Hachiko now at the location in Rhode Island where this movie was filmed. It can be viewed on Google Street Maps by visiting 1 High St., Woonsocket, RI 02895)

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Is Hachi: A Dog’s Tale Based on a True Story?

Starring Richard Gere, ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’ is a moving drama film that follows a faithful dog who is unable to come to terms with the mortality of his master who had adopted him when he was a lost puppy. After his master’s death, Hachi the dog waits several years for him to walk out of the same train station where he last saw him until he, too, passes away. The heartbreaking story of death, loyalty, and love portrayed in the film that beautifully encapsulates the relationship between a dog and his master can make anyone shed tears. Some viewers may get intrigued by its premise and wish to know if the narrative is inspired by a real-life story or is entirely fictional. In case you find yourself contemplating similar questions, we have got the answers for you.

Yes, ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’ is based on a true story. Although it appears unrealistic that a dog would wait for his entire life at a train station for his dead master, quite surprisingly, the screenwriter Stephen P. Lindsey has not exaggerated anything in the movie. The film is an accurate representation of real-life incidents. While talking about the inspiration for the movie, producer Vicki Shigekuni Wong said in an interview that he first learned about the story of Hachiko when he was in Tokyo decades ago. Hachiko’s bronze statue at the station had sparked his interest, and he ended up adopting a dog himself.

Several years later, when his own dog, unfortunately, passed away, Vicki told the story of the Japanese dog to the producer Paul Mason who ended up guiding him through the film process. But who was Hachiko? And why was his bronze statue at the station? Hachiko actually is the real-life dog whose story served as the basis of ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.’ His story moved producer Vicki Shigekuni Wong because the intensely loyal Akita dog had waited for his owner until his own passing, just like it is portrayed in the film.

Hidesaburō Ueno, an agricultural scientist in the early 20th century, desperately wanted a Japanese Akita dog. On his students’ advice, he ended up adopting Hachiko, who was born on a farm in 1923. The duo soon became very close as if they were inseparable friends, and in the blink of an eye, two years passed. Hachiko used to accompany his master to the Shibuya train station every morning to see him off and then come back each evening to await his return from work so that they could back home together.

Just like the film, Hachiko was waiting patiently for Ueno one evening at the train station, but his master, unfortunately, didn’t show up. Ueno had been working as a professor at the agricultural department of Tokyo Imperial University since 1916. While delivering a lecture on May 21, 1925, he passed away due to cerebral hemorrhage. But his death did not stop Hachiko from waiting for his owner every single day until he himself passed away almost ten years later. His resolve, however, did not go unrecognized as people all over the world eventually heard his incredible story of loyalty, patience, and love. Just a year before his death, a commemorative bronze statue of Hachiko was set up right in front of Tokyo’s Shibuya Station, which several decades later piqued the interest of the producer Vicki Shigekuni Wong.

While talking about the film in an interview with Japan Today, actor Richard Gere said , “The story is more than a dog waiting for his master.” He continued, “It goes beyond the normal sense of loyalty. It is a connection between two beings. There is no subservience, no master and no dog; rather, they are soul friends.” Gere’s perspective on Hachiko’s story is quite accurate; the Akita Inu ended up waiting so long for Ueno, not because he was his master, but because they shared a deep emotional bond that went beyond everything else, even death.

The actor, explaining how the film was respectful of Ueno and Hachiko’s story, said, “In fact, when I first read the script about three years ago, I started crying. I read it once more and cried again, so I knew it was something I should take seriously. We tried to make our movie simply and honestly, making sure we were respectful toward the original story. It’s like a fable.” So, even though writers were trying to ensure that they impressed the viewers with the film, they made sure that the original story remained essentially unchanged. Therefore, ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’ is not just an ordinary movie of a dog and its owner, but it familiarizes viewers with the real-life story of a brave and loyal dog who immortalized himself by proving his love for his master and soulmate.

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