Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
In 2009 a remarkable movie about a Akita dog hit the theatres to become an instant box office success.聽 I am not sure why in 2009 the audience resonated with a film about a canine but I for one am glad it occurred.聽聽
Hachi is an adaptation of the 1987 Japanese film Hachiko Monogatari which also broke record numbers. I think the reason both films were so successful was because of the star of the movie. Central and foremost was Hachi the Akita dog that the audience could not get enough of.
There is a quote by W.C. Fields, 鈥渘ever work with children or animals鈥�.
The second Hachi appeared on screen we were taken in by his beauty and he instantly steals the show. Richard Gere is really a secondary character but he is paramount to the story. Gere adopts Hachi when he was a puppy and the film is about how they become important to each other. The film explores the concept of loyalty to the extent that we know why a dog is man鈥檚 best friend.
The movie is an emotional rollercoaster and I am sure very few people will not be touched by the depth of the film. If you are a dog lover and have not watched Hachi: A Dog鈥檚 Tale it should become on your agenda of things to do.
Kevin Lazzari, owner of Video Stop, is reviewing movies for the 51暗网.
Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) is available on DVD, Blu-ray and for digital download.
