HACHIKO
Cert PG
125 mins
BBFC advice: Contains mild threat, upsetting scenes, language
Has science ever explained the unswerving loyalty of dogs towards their human owners?
I ask this because rudimentary background reading shows that the world-famous Hachiko story is certainly not a one-off.
Scots will have already heard of how Greyfriars Bobby stood by his master's grave for a decade and there are dozens of similar cases.
The devotion of Hachiko has already been seen in a film starring Richard Gere but I felt this Chinese take was more emotional.
Xu Ang's movie sees Feng Xiaogang play a henpecked associate university professor who lacks the ambition his wife (Joan Chen) demands.
The two lead relatively humdrum lives in which he shows little dissent to her constant barracking.
However, he finally stands his ground after taking in a puppy who he finds roaming during an enforced bus stop.
Indeed, he finds an emotional attachment to the pooch that he struggles to create with either his wife or two grown-up children.
Some may find this film too slow and quiet but I thought its portrayal of a stuck-in-a-rut married couple
was spot on.
Feng Xiaogang is totally believable as the husband who finds solace away from his complaining wife in a dog who repays his kindness with total devotion.
Indeed, his commitment to his master may even cause a few tears.
I shall say no more for fear of spoiling the picture for the few who are not aware of its storyline other than to say I was grabbed.
There are two main films based on the true story of Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog:
* **Hachiko Monogatari (1987):** This is the original Japanese film considered a classic. Reviews praise its subtle storytelling and focus on the pure bond between Hachiko and his owner. However, it might be harder to find compared to the American remake.
* **Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009):** This Hollywood remake stars Richard Gere and Joan Allen. Reviews for this one are more mixed. Here's a breakdown of what viewers liked and disliked:
**Pros:**
* **Touching Story:** The core story of Hachiko's devotion is undeniably moving, especially for dog lovers. Even if you've heard the story before, it can be a tearjerker.
* **Strong Performances:** Richard Gere is praised for his endearing portrayal of the professor who forms a deep bond with Hachiko.
**Cons:**
* **Straying from the Original:** Some viewers felt the American version added unnecessary subplots and altered details from the real story. This might irk those looking for an authentic portrayal.
* **Uneven Tone:** The shift between lighthearted moments and Hachiko's sadness can feel jarring to some.
Here are some additional thoughts:
* Regardless of the version, prepare for a film that will likely make you emotional.
* If you want a more culturally authentic experience, seek out the 1987 Japanese film.
* If accessibility is a concern, the 2009 American remake might be easier to find.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for a classic, subtle approach or a more modern Hollywood take.
Reasons to watch: Tears at the heartstrings
Reasons to avoid: A bit schmaltzy
Laughs: One
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10
Did you know? The real Hachikō's pelt was preserved after his death and his taxidermy mount is on permanent display at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo
The final word. Xu Ang: "Movies about people and dogs are more often about people, and dogs often represent a kind of expectation of the world-you have a good friend, and he will treat you as before for five or ten years, even after you die. I will never forget you, such a friendship is rare, and it is what we all look forward to. So there is a saying: the more people I know, the more I like dogs." Knotrope
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