Review of Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) by Thomas W — 13 Nov 2011

Anybody who knows me knows how seriously I take my cinema/films/movies etc. I don't hand out false praise and it isn't easy to earn either (unless Kate Winslet and/or Penelope Cruz is/are involved).

Hachi is a film that could have been the near-perfect cinematic jewel if it had not contained the dreaded Hollywood film-frame. What I mean by that is instead of allowing the story to unfold, it has to be "framed" at beginning and end (like cinematic book-ends) by a narrator such as Saving Private Ryan -- which would have been an excellent movie without the beginning and end.

Studios fail to realize the schmaltzy stuff lessens their work; and it does slightly here. Lasse Hallestrom (Chocolat, What's Eating Gilbert Grape and The Cider House Rules) directs this very simple TRUE story about an Akita pup who stumbles upon a man at a busy train station.

Kind-hearted and not wanting to leave the puppy alone, the man (a college professor) takes the puppy home and the story begins ... Everyone knows you need a kleenex for any dog movie; but I would recommend taking a towel for this one.

It doesn't end up being the cliche dog story -- there is much more here. It is a beautifully told little tale of devotion and love and it is unforgettable. UNFORGETTABLE. If only I could have re-edited without the dumbing-down frame-device, the movie could have been perfect.

I need a tissue even after typing this ...