The acting in the film is secondary, and honestly, damn near any actor could fill in the roles in this piece, so the fact that an assortment of recognizable faces is involved is commendable. And while the tale has been transplanted from Japan to the American Northeast, the basics of the story remain in place. Even 'Futurama' briefly hit on the story of Hachi, to show years passing. 'Hachi' isn't the first film inspired by the story of Hachiko, as Seijirô Kôyama directed 'Hachikô monogatari' in 1987, and while I haven't had the chance to seek out that film, I'm more than certain it will be the same kind of heart-string-puller that this remake of sorts proves to be.
![hachi a dogs tale (2009 hachi a dogs tale (2009](https://i.redd.it/0h6jmyh56gs41.png)
'Hachi' is the tale of loyalty and love, in the purest sense, as the lengths gone to by man's best friend define the words better than any human act ever could. Hachi soon starts following Wilson to the train station, and begins waiting for him when he comes home on the same train. While his wife Cate (Joan Allen, from the ' Bourne' films) isn't thrilled with the idea of bringing a dog home, eventually Hachi breaks down her resistance and becomes a part of the family. 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale' (originally called 'Hachi: A Dog's Story,' and 'Hachiko: A Dog's Story') centers around the life of Hachiko, a young Akita pup found abandoned at the Bedridge train station by Professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere). The story is ripe for cinematic and literary adaptation. Considering some humans can't even wait for their lovers to return from a weeklong work trip before pursuing new partners to bide their time, the devotion shown by this dog defines the very word itself. Dewey passed away in November 2006.), or any of their brethren, could compare to the story of Hachiko, the Akita who lingered in the Shibuya railroad station in Japan in the 20's and 30's, waiting for his master, Hidesaburo Ueno, years after Ueno had passed on while away at work. But neither of those critters (Faith is still alive. Faith may be recognizable more by picture than name, as the dog born with severely deformed front legs, but the courage she has shown in overcoming adversity to inspire others has far outweighed the shock appeal of any pictures. When a human cries on screen, it can affect us, but when we see an animal struggle in a similar fashion, with human emotions, it will affect us, there's no can about it.ĭewey Readmore Books (yes, that was his voted on name, unfortunately.) inspired many with his uplifting attitude, after being found left in one of the book return slots in a library. There's a special place in all of us for most animals, and not just the stomach. USA.Let's not beat around the bush: animal stories can be far more uplifting, or heartbreaking, than any story based around human protagonists and their plights. Image from Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)įilm forms and narrative elements, such as lighting and colour, cinematography, mise-en-scéne, sound, story, time, and plot all enhance a film through its sub textual meanings.
![hachi a dogs tale (2009 hachi a dogs tale (2009](https://foreveryoungadult.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Cover-Hachi-A-Dogs-Tale.jpg)
After Parker’s passing, Hachi has his moments of being in the same frame as the clock which resembles Hachi’s similar fate.
![hachi a dogs tale (2009 hachi a dogs tale (2009](https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Hachi-A-Dog-s-Tale-Video-Study-Guide-2009-Starring-Richard-Gere-4451603-1575300947/original-4451603-1.jpg)
The clock in the film represents the little amount of time left that Parker has until he passes away and how short life can be. When delved in further, it is found that whenever there are wide shots of his house it signifies that something has changed in the plot or time has passed. Image from Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)Īll other wide angled shots did not include a tilt, rather the camera was held steadily, especially for the wide shots of Parker’s house. This action by the cinematographer implies the event that has occurred, Hachi going to heaven or passing away. However, this blog will not mention all of them.Īt the end of the film, the very last shot shows the train station in a wide long shot which then tilts up to the sky.
![hachi a dogs tale (2009 hachi a dogs tale (2009](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WkKZJVG5wTk/TRsSF_AVktI/AAAAAAAC5RA/f7h_UcOxfxA/s1600/Hachiko_Dogs_Story-199.jpg)
The film includes different sub textual meanings that are found from exploring film form and narrative elements, specifically lighting and colour, cinematography, mise-en-scéne, sound, story, time, and plot. The film was released in 2009 and directed by Lasse Hallstrom, with a budget of 16 million and a box office of 46.7 million United States Dollars (IMDb, 2010). Their story together continues with a strong bond of friendship and loyalty until the story ends. The dramatic family film, Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale, presents the story of Hachiko, a lost pup, and a college professor, Parker Wilson, played by Richard Gere, who rescues Hachiko and later adopts him when the original owners are not found.