Hachiko : A Dog's Story (Movie Review)

I love this movie! Damn, it was so sad and touching that I almost wanted to cry! But there's only one word I can use to describe this masterpiece. Beautiful.

Hachiko : A Dog's Story is based on a true story about the relationship between a man and his dog in Japan. In this version, Richard Gere plays Parker Wilson, a middle-aged professor who stumbles upon a cute puppy at the train station on his way home from work. Falling in love with the puppy, he names it Hachi, after the tag around it's neck with the word 'Hachi' in Japanese.

Although his wife objected to the dog's presence in their house at first, she soon falls for the charm of Hachi, just like her husband and daughter. When he grew up, Hachi would follow Parker to the train station every day when he left for work. In the evening, he would be there again, waiting for his beloved master to return.

One day, Parker collapsed halfway through a lecture, and died. That night, Hachi waited and waited, but his master did not return.

For the next nine years, Hachi could be seen at the station in the evenings, still awaiting his master's return. Finally, in March 1935, Hachi passed away, and was reunited with his master.

It's a very sad movie, but there are also small moments where happiness shone through. Parker spent most of his time with Hachi, playing, massaging, even battling a raccoon for him. Somehow, these scenes manage to touch the hearts of those who watch them, and brings tears to our eyes.

Hachi was the very symbol of love and undying loyalty. To think that a dog would wait for his master for nine whole years, without shirking. It clearly portrays the depth of Hachi's affection for Parker. Hachi is devoted to his master in a way no man could ever comprehend. So deep it was, so powerful, that neither time nor death could vanquish it.

Today, a bronze statue of Hachi stands at the very train station in Tokyo where Hachi spent ten years of his life, waiting for his master. It serves to remind us of the inexplicable power of love, and the depth of a dog's loyalty to his master.

 

I sincerely hope that all of you would go watch this movie, whether on DVD or online. I doubt it will be shown in cinemas here, but should that happen, it will be something not to be missed. Trust me, you won't regret it! Whether you're a dog lover or not, this movie will touch you in ways you could never imagine.