Review of Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) by Hannah B — 03 Dec 2018

Hachi : A Dogâ(TM)s Tale.

Lasse Hallstromâ(TM)s sappy mutt tale Hachi : A Dogâ(TM)s Tale is based on a true story about a faithful Akita dog called Hachi. Hallstrom transformed the 1930s Japanese true story into a contemporary New England film that easily fulfills that soft spot in your heart. Hallströmâ(TM)s effective film uses several visual techniques â" dogâ(TM)s eye-view black-and-white footage, sped-up time frames â" to tell the moving tale of great love and respect between college professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) and the puppy he rescues on a snowy night. This is a very simple and easy film that quickly engages the audience as it introduces a loyal dog, a man with a loving heart, and a happy yet sappy setting. The relationship of Hachi and Parker intensifies emotions that will surely pull at your heartstrings, which carries throughout the whole film all the way to its bittersweet conclusion. Hachi : A Dogâ(TM)s Tale is sensitively directed and over-sentimental, and will likely ravish the emotions of dog lovers. Yet the film is as much about the emotional fallout of the death of Parker Wilson as about a muttâ(TM)s unconditional love, loyalty and devotion. You might resent being emotionally manipulated by this film, but I challenge even the most hard-hearted moviegoer not to spill some saltwater while watching it. As a dog owner, I must confess to having had a large lump in the throat and a constant smile throughout. Hachi: A Dogâ(TM)s Tale is a great, big lick to the face, and a welcomed one at that.