Hachiko: A Dog's Story

This is a movie of faith, devotion and undying loyalty that is actually based on a true story. We rented this from the redbox a few days ago after seeing a preview for it on another rental. This movie was actually a remake of a Japanese movie. Unlike other Japanese remakes, this movie actually gives credit to the original story so that you don't get the sense that Hollywood wants to call it its own. All actors/actresses in the movie do a superb job in making you feel as if you were a part of the community embracing the dog.

"Love and Loyalty" succinctly sums up the film. The love so simple, so pure and the loyalty so unfailing, so steadfast that it would melt any steel heart. The main characters never "take flight" but that matters not at all. It's the simple story of the love between a man and his best friend that more than sufficiently works all the wonders. Not a sad one, but profoundly touching.

One of the things that helps to make this movie strong is that of the dialogue being so simple. This movie tells the story with the visuals so that there does not have to be very strong dialogue passages. one of the great unique things that this movie did was they at times show things through Hachi's eyes as opposed to human eyes, which helps you relate to him and understand how he felt and what he thought then, as well as emphasizes that Hachi is the main character of the movie.

The loyalty that Hachi has is a loyalty that no one could ever really believe to happen in real life. This story is one that truly shows us all why the dog is truly man's best friend. While this movie does not blow you away with anything special it will connect with everyone and finds a way to tug at everyone's heartstrings. For the great haeartwarming story I am giving this three buckets of popcorn out of five. Look for it yourself, but be warned if you rent it make sure you have tissues readily available.

-The Movie Man-