Customer Reviews

Hachi: A Dog's Tale [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(286)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

As a grown man not prone to crying, by the end of this film I was a blubbering mess, and I've probably not shed a tear in more than ten years. Anyone who loves dogs, I imagine, will be in the same state after witnessing the amazing loyalty displayed by one selfless canine.

I'd actually heard the story many times. A loyal dog returns to train station to meet his master even after he dies. But the film really brings the point home following the entire life span of the dog. But what I feel makes this film stand out is how it shows the perspective of the dog, a great reminder that "Hachi" is the protagonist in the film and giving insight into the emotions he felt. Additionally, the dog was portrayed as a dog, not a human character in a dog suit capable of impossible feats and acts, which for me, made the story so much more enjoyable and made the dog so much more believable.

Please disregard the one-star rating given by the Akita breeder in Nevada who didn't really rate the film so much as criticize peoples tendency to purchase dogs because of movie influences. It should also be noted that the Japanese Akita as a breed would have most likely disappeared had it not been for the original Hachi's popularity in Japan during the 1930's when the story was popularized by local newspapers of the time.

I would rate this as probably the best dog movie ever to come out of Hollywood. If you've made it so far as to read reviews, you really should just buy it. I can't imagine any dog lover being disappointed in this magnificent film.

As the owner of an Akita for almost 12 years (now at 'The Bridge'), I have been anxiously waiting for the Hachiko Monogatari, 1987 Japanese production, to be adapted for the American audience. I was so pleased that they kept the story simple; one of a man and his dog, of forging bonds of unconditional love and devotion. And, even though I knew the story very well and, prepared myself in advance, the tears were inevitable.

Going straight to DVD, this film will not be a big money maker, therefore, I consider it a timeless gift and treasure, from all involved with the project. It was not easy, taking a year to complete, clearly becoming a labor of love. Watching Gere interact with the dogs, you can tell he is truly in his element. The joy on his face makes you believe that Hachi really is his devoted companion. I truly thank and respect Gere for joining such a challenging endeavor and I can't think of anyone more perfect for the role of the sensitive Professor.

Throughout the film, it was made fairly clear, that Akitas are not typical dogs. This was further evidenced in the 'Making of the Film.' The trainers thought they had met their match, when two months into the project, the dogs simply would not perform. They found that Akitas are no trick-ponies; they are stubborn and don't suffer foolish tasks. With much patience, the project was eventually successful. You will also find a comment following the credits about how Akitas are NOT for everyone. I consider these additions to the film to represent responsible education regarding Akita ownership, and, I applaud them for the inclusions.

I must add, that although I dearly love Akitas, they are not the only breed with histories of bravery and devotion. Given proper training and bonding, some mixed breed dogs that we unfortunately see chained in backyards, might show the same call of duty. It's not so much about the breed, but creating the connection---opening one's heart, and truly letting that furry creature in, which Gere lovingly demonstrates in the film.

I think Hachiko's story is a good reminder, that ALL dogs have thinking, emotive minds; that they are, family, not something to be possessed. That said, Hachi will continue to educate us from the grave, for generations to come. I can't think of a more profound legacy.

This is a beautifully rendered, family film---one that, once watched, will never be forgotten. It is destined to become a classic. I can't recommend it highly enough; just have tissues at hand.

This brilliant film, full of magnificent performances, does not preach, but will pierce the hardest heart.
I extend my deepest appreciation to Mr. Hallstrom, Richard Gere, Joan Allen, and the Akita trainers for bringing this unforgettable story into my home, where it will be enjoyed again, and again.
My wife, who NEVER comments on a movie, said "That was one of the best movies I have ever seen."
Our 14-year-old Beagle usually rests in one place for ten minutes and moves to another spot in the room. While we watched HACHI, she remained between us on the sofa for the entire movie. She sensed our contentedness and rose only to lick our faces during the film's powerful emotional scenes.
Kudos to Mr. Gere for his diligence in making his relationship with the dogs feel genuine...and for the most amazing death scene I have ever witnessed portrayed in a film.
Since the real HACHIKO died in 1934, this film was long overdue, but more than worth the wait.

When I heard that our family movie for the evening was a "dog movie" with a "G" rating, I have to admit that I was less than enthusiastic and went into the experience with extremely low expectations. I've got to hand it to Richard Gere for being involved in an extremely classy family movie that has something for everyone. I found the movie to be well-done and quite enjoyable. One thing that gives this show emotional punch is that it is based on a true story. If the G-rating puts you off, don't let it. If you are hesitant because it's a "dog movie" get over it. This show is a real treat, and I'm glad I watched it.

I enjoyed the story line, the acting, it's watchability for people of all ages, and its message.

MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, AND THE BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE WEEK FOR ME.

Forget about MARLEY AND ME. HACHI is a more emotional, honest, and altogether more poignant film about the relationship between a man who adopts a young Akita pup and the bond that develops that between them. It is sad, but in a good way, and even though it has a G rating, it's a more powerful film than MARLEY AND ME, which had some objectionable adult content and a melodramatic, saccharine script. HACHI is superior to it in terms of its filmmaking and central story, a credit to director Lasse Hallstrom (CHOCOLAT) who has made some wonderful movies and adds yet another to his resume here.

Richard Gere is sensitive and wonderful, the Rhode Island location shooting and the low-key script all combine to create a fabulous film suitable for all ages.

Don't miss it -- and be prepared not only to have some kleenexes on-hand (my wife and I both broke down!), but also to do some research into the "real" Hachi once it's over, as this is based on a legendary true story that happened in Japan in the 1920s. Outstanding!

Honestly, I might need an i.v. to rehydrate. What a touching beautiful film about a dog and its undying devotion for its master. If your dog could talk, he'd want you to watch this. I gave mine a belly rub and an extra treat afterwards.
For the ladies out there...it's a no-brainer. You have both Richard Gere and a puppy in this movie. Enough said.

When I first visited Tokyo, Japan, one of the stories that intrigued me before my trip was the story of Hachiko, a dog who would wait outside Shibuya Station back in the 1930's. [Note: Although the story is quite popular and well-known for those who gone to Japan, I won't spoil the details of the actual tale].

The story of Hachiko touched producer Vicki Shikeguni Wong during her trip to Tokyo and inspired to make a film titled "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" based on the true Japanese story for American audiences. Directed by Oscar-nominated director Lasse Hallström ("Chocolat", "Cider House Rules", "What's Eating Gilbert Grape") and a screenplay by Stephen P. Lindsey ("When they Could Fly", "The Secret of Fireflies"), the film would feature cinematography by Ron Fortunato ("Gossip Girl", "Catch a Fire", "Brotherhood") and music composed by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek ("Get Low", "Horsemen", "Unfaithful").

The film revolves around college professor Parker Wilson (played by Richard Gere, "Pretty Woman", "Chicago", "Unfaithful", "Primal Fear") who was coming home from a trip and a small Akita who was accidentally left behind walks up to Parker who then takes the dog back home.

Unfortunately, his wife Cate (played by Joan Allen, "The Bourne Identity" films, "Face/Off", "The Contender") is not thrilled to see a dog in the house, even when their daughter Andy (played by Sarah Roemer, "Disturbia", "Fired Up!", "The Grudge") pleads with the mother to keep it.

Parker then learns from his friend Ken (played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, "The Art of War", "Planet of the Apes", "Memoirs of a Geisha") that the dog's name is "Hachi" and is an Akita that were popular in feudal Japan. But as Parker tries to find its owner and tries to give the dog away, he finds himself loving the dog and Cate just notices how he is really loving his company with the dog and thus, allows him to keep it.

Fast forward year(s) later and Hachi is a grown dog who is loyal to his owner. He goes home when Parker tells him to and when he hears the incoming train whistling, Hachi knows that his master is coming home and runs to the station and greets him near the station exit. Among the people who are familiar with Hachi's routine is Carl (played by Jason Alexander, "Pretty Woman", "Seinfeld") who works at the station, Jess (played by Erick Avari, "Heroes", "Dragnet") who runs a hot dog concessions stand outside of the station and often gives food to Hachi and a few other business owners around the area.

And throughout the seasons, Hachi has repeated his routine of waiting for his master through warm and cold, heavy snow days and has always been loyal to Parker by waiting for him when he returns to the station. But one day, Parker has a stroke and for Hachi, his loyal dog continues to wait for him.

VIDEO:

"Hachi: A Dog's Tale" is presented in 1080p High Definition (1:85:1). The film looks beautiful on Blu-ray as it manages to capture the seasons as Hachi waits for his master. Blacks are nice and deep, detail from the fur of Hachi to detail on Parker's wool suits. Skin tones are natural and again, the detail from the various seasons of trees with leaves and without, snowy conditions, everything looks beautiful in this film. Interesting use of muted colors when the film shifts to Hachi's perspective, as the filmmaker tries to show things through Hachi's eyes. Overall, very good picture quality for this film.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

"Hachi: A Dog's Tale" is features an English 5.1 DTS-HD MA lossless audio track. The majority of the film is dialogue driven and thus front and center channel driven but there are a few moments in the film such as a cold windstorm in which you hear rickety noises and wood and object clanging in the background that utilizes the surround channels. Also, scenes that feature the train running through the train tracks by Hachi is also captured quite well through the surround channels. Overall, a satisfactory lossless soundtrack for this type of film.

Subtitles are in English and English SDH.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"Hachi" comes with the following special features in High Definition with English Stereo:

* A Bondy of Loyalty - The Making of Hachi: A Dog's Tale - (17:50) A featurette on the making of the film. Interviews with the talents and why Richard Gere took the role, working with the dogs that played Hachi and more.
* Previews - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment trailers
* BD-Live Enabled

JUDGMENT CALL:

"Hachi" definitely caught my attention when I first saw the trailer. I've always been interested in the story of Hachiko and it was definitely one of my priorities during my first trip to Tokyo and wanting to see the actual bronze statue of the dog. Needless to say, when I first heard an American adaptation to the Hachiko tale, especially when there was the film"Hachiko Monogatari" in 1987 which was a very good film, I was not sure what to expect from "Hachi: A Dog's Tale".

But after watching the film, I was very touched and I have to say that they captured that bond between an owner and a dog, the love for a dog by its owner and most of all, that touching loyalty of the original Hachiko story in this film.

It's quite interesting to see Richard Gere in such a film, because you don't expect him in this type of film. You expect him to take on romantic lead roles or authoritative figures but to see him as a dog lover/owner definitely shows a new light for him as an actor and also, I found it quite intriguing to see the reunion of Gere and Jason Alexander since their pairing back in the 1990 film "Pretty Woman". But the film also features star talents such as Joan Allen, Erick Avari, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and you have a talented director with Lasse Hallström. But more surprising to me that Sony gave this film a very limited release despite having a well-known director and talent behind the film and pretty much made "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" a direct-to-video release. I wish they would have given this film a chance because it's a very good film with a solid performance by Richard Gere especially with his interaction with Hachi (you're not going to see many films with Richard Gere with a tennis ball in his mouth, while trying to teach a dog how to play fetch).

Granted, when it comes to canine films especially with a well-known story about Hachiko the dog, I can understand if people are hesitant after seeing tearjerkers such as "Quill" or even "Marley & Me". It's a very touching film and pays its respect quite well to the original Japanese story based on the real story about Professor Hidesaburo Ueno and his Akita, Hachiko.

Overall, "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" is an enjoyable and touching film that will make you laugh and cry and a film definitely worth watching!

I am not a movie fan. When I watch a movie with my wife, it is usually without enthusiasm, and I generally find myself sneaking peeks at my watch every few minutes, calculating how much longer the movie will run. Prior to seeing the story of "Hachi", Richard Gere meant little to me. His portrayal of the master of "Hachi", though, was moving, sweet, and ingratiating. Mr. Gere is the most prominent actor in a fine cast, which helps to make this movie transformational. The story depicts with love and sensitivity the strong and indelible bond between man and his eternal best friend, the dog. Hachi is a loving akita who is loyal to the character played by Mr. Gere, seeming to always remember that it was Gere who rescued the lost pup at a train station. Originally intending to find the rightful owner of the dog, something which did not ever happen despite significant initial effort, the two quickly become inseparable, devoted companions. Theirs was a devotion which transcended death. Following the sudden and untimely passing of the character played by Mr. Gere, Hachi continued to wait at the train station at which he would greet his master when he returned home from work each day. Certain scenes and premises are implausible, such as when years after his death, the master's widow returns to the area the two had lived in together, surprised to see Hachi at his daily perch in the town square, as he had done for years. The bittersweet and moving reunion between the two renders the implausability of the scene unimportant. This movie is all the more powerful in consideration of the fact that it is based on a true story from Japan, in which Hachi lived in the 1920's and 1930's. Hachi is honored with a statue on the site of his daily vigil, and is memorialized by Japanese dog-lovers every year to this day. The story of Hachi is one that I cannot get out of my mind, and it shall always be dear to me. At a time in which our world is becoming increasingly coarse and uncivil, how wonderful to find an uplifting and inspirational movie like this, and it is rated 'G'! Everyone who loves and is sensitive to animals, everyone with a heart and soul, should see it. You will be glad you did. You should be prepared to be overcome with emotion.

I cried for the first time in my life (on a movie) while (and after) watching this movie (I am a guy who NEVER cries) and I cried a gallon and could not stop. Anyone who has a heart should watch 'Hachi - A Dog's Tale'. And yes - keep buckets of tissues handy and spare time to recover after the movie. I thought nothing could make me cry - BUT THIS can wrench out tears even from a stone. Its the most powerful emotional saga I have ever seen - an unforgettable and unbelievable account of eternal love and loyalty. It hit me - pierced my heart and my soul. I always hated tear jerkers because I am not fond of overtly sentimental movies that make one's heart heavy. That was before I knew that a movie could be THIS touching and POWERFUL - I was feeling really heavy after watching this and so just to lighten up a bit I watched one and then two and then three movies back to back (a comedy, an action flick and another drama) but barely a minute after even the third movie was over, the only visions that I had in my mind were of Hachi and I hardly remembered anything from the over six hours of movie watching in between! This is because Hachi TOUCHES your heart DEEP and not just provides temporary sensory enjoyment - this movie will linger in your mind for ever. Its a true story and the dog is a legend. Suggest you do not research before you see it (resist googling) as it will spoil the effect if you know the story beforehand. Watch it. Its the most powerful and beautiful movie I have ever seen. Blessed is the one who has the fortune to have a dog like Hachi in his lifetime. I love you Hachi and we always will and remember you forever. When I visit Japan I will put a garland around Hachi's statue at Shibuya station, Tokyo to pay my homage - to Hachi - the epitome of divine and endless love, faithfulness and loyalty.

This movie is a rare find and movie making at its best.

When was the last time you saw a really good G-rated movie that can move you to tears that had with no violence, cgi or special effects? I commend the excellent job of the writers, cast, director, producers, akita dogs, and all those behind the scenes like the dog trainers/handlers and staff to produce this amazing film of the love between a man and his dog and the unceasing loyalty of this beloved dog. This film touched me and if you are an animal lover, I'm sure it will have you in tears too. I wish they made more movies of this caliber.