 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Hachi: A Dog's Tale
- Review Date: June 30, 2010
- G
- Genre: Drama
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Dramatic story of a dog's devotion is emotionally intense.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the adorable puppy in this movie does more than play with toys: he changes an entire community's view of friendship. Considering the G rating, suggestive scenes where adults kiss and
prepare to bathe together are rather risque for younger viewers. Adults consume alcohol. Some mature moments are implied, though not seen, so parental guidance is suggested.
What's the story?
Somewhere in a monastery in remote Japan, a puppy dog is crated and shipped to another country. But his luggage tags are lost, and he ends up wandering the platform of the train station in a town called Bedridge. This is where Professor Parker Williams (Richard Gere) finds him -- and the beginning of an unlikely friendship unfolds. Hachi, as the dog is known by the symbol on his collar, becomes so involved in the lives of the community that he is remembered for many years to come.
Is it any good?
Like a Zen meditation, this movie has a calm pace that soothes viewers. That is, until a tragedy occurs and Hachi's true colors shine through. Though this movie is based on a true story that took place in Shibuya, Japan in the '30s, there are some parts that may confuse contemporary American kids (such as, where is Animal Control when Hachi is roaming about for years at a time?) But director Lasse Hallstrom captures a dog's-eye view of life beautifully. Be prepared to shed a tear, and brace yourself to want to adopt a dog just like Hachi when the movie comes to a close.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about whether Hachi is a hero or not. Can animals be heroes? Parker's grandson thinks of Hachi as a hero. Do you agree?
At one point Parker's daughter purposefully opens the gate to let Hachi decide to stay with her family or to run away. Is this responsible behavior?
This movie is rated G for general audiences, but its content deals with some sophisticated topics. Here is a peek at what the target age of this movie might be looking for in their media lives.
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- Teens & kids
Parent of 8 and 11 year old
September 18, 2010
AGE
So Sad!!!!!!
Such a good story! I was sobbing at the end of it.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 12, 2010
AGE
Good
This film is really heart-warming, I was close to tears by the end of it. It has good role models because the dog is very loyal to his owner,but...the sexual stuff and the sadness is a bit too much for younger kids so I say 8+
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Teen, 15 years old
May 16, 2011
AGE
Great role models based off an inspirational story that truly shows the interspecies bond between a man and a dog giving meaning to the very real phrase 'a dog is a mans best friend' :)
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Adult
October 29, 2011
AGE
sad true story
A beautiful, but extremely sad true story about a dog devoted to his owner. I think it's ok for kids, but If It can make an adult bawl her eyes out, I'd hate to see what it would do a child
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Parent of 8, 11, and 16 year old
October 15, 2010
AGE
A Little Slow, could put you to sleep
I used 5 kleenexes toward the end and I wasn't all that into the story because it was moving so slowly. Older kids may lose interest fairly soon, but younger kids might watch it all (and be calm enough for bed right after).
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Teen, 17 years old
August 13, 2011
AGE
Emotionally-gripping...
The movie is based off a true story, which took place during early 1900s Japan. It's about a man named Hidesaburō Ueno who took in and cared for an Akita dog named Hachiko. The dog would wait each day for the man at the Shibuya Train Station. The movie also centers on a sweet dog named Hachiko, who would wait for his owner, Parker, each and everyday, before and after work. Both the story and the movie have the same storyline overall. Hachi is faithful and loyal to Parker, even after he died, and never gave up on him. Despite his owner's death, Hachi would still continue his daily routine at the train station. The movie was good because you could actually feel the emotions of the characters. The despair and loss in Hachiko when Parker died was immensely touching and the end was tear-jerking. Aside from all that, the musical score was great and peaceful. Anyways, just to conclude, the movie was engaging.
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Adult
April 23, 2012
AGE
Tearjerker. A Story of Loyality to the End.
This movie is the heart-wrenching tale of Haciko, an Akita pup who grows up, and lives and loves his master. When his master unexpectedly passes away, Hachi continues to go to the train station to wait for his master's return, unaware that his master had passed away. If I were the family, I would have brought Hachi to the grave site so he could gain a shred of closure. Hachi is a very positive movie for such a sad turn of events. It made me and (especially) my Grandmother cry (My Grandfather passed away in '10 and Grandma said she feels like the dog in a sense, even though she understands he is not coming back.) If you watch this movie and it does not make you shed a tear or stir your soul in the slightest sense...I feel very sad for you. Amazing, AMAZING movie.
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Teen, 14 years old
June 23, 2012
AGE
Hachi-Should not be rated G!
This movie was very entertaining, a little slow, but entertaining. There were two scenes of sexual innuendo. It was very, very sad at the end. There was some wine and a 6-pack of beer shown. I think that it should not have been rated G. If your not sure, see the movie first and decide. Happy Viewing!
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Adult
September 29, 2012
AGE
Devestating yet beautiful.
I remember when I first saw this movie I said I wouldn't cry. Well, only half way through it I couldn't help myself! This story is SO SAD! As soon as Hachi's master (Parker) dies, it's almost impossible not to cry from then on. To watch what Hachi does every day, waiting for his master to return and also when Parker's daughter takes the dog into her home to care for him, he runs away... just so heartbreaking because you feel the sadness and confusion Hachi is going through. Would definitely make sensitive children cry their eyes out, some children may not completely understand what it means, but adults will need to have a kleenex box (or two) handy. Good for families of all ages I think.
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Parent
November 3, 2012
AGE
Slow and Sad
It's a very "lovely" movie. But my 14 year old daughter fell asleep, my wife was crying, and my 11 year old son and I were waiting for something (anything) to happen. I can understand however that some people could get emotionally involved in this movie.
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| Topics: | friendship |
| Studio: | Sony Wonder |
| Director: | Lasse Hallstrom |
| Cast: | Jason Alexander, Joan Allen, Richard Gere |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 93 minutes |
| DVD release date: | March 9, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | General Audiences |
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