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Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
12/25
12/25:
"Based on a true story"?
Yeah, let's try this for an analogy. Some black guy leads an Arab revolt in Brazil with camels and horses in
the jungle during the Hundred Years' War and wins independence for the country at the end. Does this sound right?
Of course not. At least, the filmmakers admitted the story took place in Shibuya, Japan, from 1923 to 1935 but
failed to mention Hachikō Monogatari had been made in 1987.
Compared to the original, Hachi: A Dog's Tale retains most of the basic elements with the same sad ending.
Except for the professor, the former is dull, slow-moving, and filled with uncaring
people. It also has a dog actor who's often oblivious to what's going on. The latter is more modern, shorter,
and showcases a genuine bond between the owner and his dog.
The acting is average, but it's Richard Gere who gets some credit for enlivening the show. After his
character passed away, I find it funny that George Constanza wanted to be part of the specialness by having his
picture taken with the dog which brings up memories of him feeling the same way after discovering Julia Roberts'
character's true profession in Pretty Woman but ends up trying to rape her.
All in all, Hachi: A Dog's Tale is better than
Hachikō Monogatari but is still ordinary and somewhat gimmicky with
a made-for-TV feel.