Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Movie review by Joly Herman, Common Sense Media
Hachi: A Dog's Tale Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Dramatic story of a dog's devotion is emotionally intense.

G 2010 93 minutes
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 29 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 39 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Hachi: A Dog's Tale is the story of great love and respect between a college professor and the puppy he rescues on a snowy night. It's a very gentle film that quickly engages the audience as it introduces a heroic dog, a man with a loving heart, and an idyllic setting. That engagement intensifies emotions, which later carry the story through the years to its bittersweet conclusion. The movie is based the story of a dog who lived in Japan in the 1930s; a statue of the real Hachi remains in the Shibuya train station there. Spoiler alert: A major character dies, which is heartbreaking and likely to upset most kids and parents. Though the film has a "G" rating, it's best for kids who are comfortable with very sad events -- including death -- and the grief that accompanies those events.

Community Reviews

meydiana.rizki
meydiana.rizki Adult
November 10, 2022
age 8+

We started with a simple hello and ended with a complicated goodbye

The first half of the Hachi movie is happy to watch but the second half of the Hachi movie is sad which made me emotional at times. What a loyal, loving and devoted dog Hachi was to his owner. After the death of Hachi owner, the family should have tried harder to build a relationship with Hachi to get his love and devotion. The wife of the owner supposedly went back to Subuya station 10 years later and saw Hachi sitting there looking old and still waiting. She could have taken Hachi with her when she left Subuya station to be with Hachi for the remaining days of Hachi life. But instead, she left Hachi at Subuya station and was not concerned what would happen to Hachi. I feel her actions were very selfish and uncaring. Hachi deserved to be loved again, even if it would be for a short period of time because of the love and loyalty Hachi had for his owner. The family should have taken Hachi to the funeral service and let Hachi smell a piece of clothing and shown a photograph of his owner for possible closure for Hachi that his owner died. What I find sad as a human being is from 1925 to 1932, people at Subuya train station mistreated Hachi. It wasn't until the story of Hachi was published in the newspaper that people started to care, provide food, and give attention to Hachi. During those 7 years this could have been when Hachi became sick with cancer and worms and his condition got worse over those 7 years. There was no one really close to Hachi during those years to see or be concerned about Hachi health. Regardless, Hachi would still walk to the Subuya station each day and wait in all types of weather conditions for his deceased owner even when Hachi was getting old. I could not imagine how much pain and loneliness Hachi may have felt after his owner died. I'm so glad Hachi was honoured with a statue of him, him and his owner together. If I could go back to the time period of Hachi from 1925 to 1935, I would have given Hachi a lot of affection, provided food, companionship and a permanent home. Hachi always be remembered over the world for the loving and loyal dog he was. Rest in peace Hachi. WHAt A DOG SHOULD HAVE.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Nadia1411
Nadia1411 Adult
September 18, 2022
age 2+
Incredibly beautiful and sad story. If you love animals and have a dog, it will deeply stay in your heart. Beautiful work, music makes me cry if I hear it anywhere else. I couldn't stop crying for hours after I finished watching the movie. I would create an NFT from that amazing dog in the project IguVers to keep the story alive!
See all 29 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In the opening moments of HACHI: A DOG'S TALE, somewhere in a monastery in remote Japan a puppy dog is crated and shipped to the United States. But the Akita puppy's luggage tags are lost, and he ends up wandering the platform of the train station in Bedridge, Rhode Island. This is where music professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere, in a sincere and nuanced performance) finds Hachi, as the symbol on his collar identifies him. It's the beginning of a lifelong, unwavering bond. As loyal and devoted as Parker is, Hachi's commitment to Parker is as steadfast and beautiful. Parker's wife, Cate (Joan Allen) though reticent at first, begins her own relationship with Hachi, as does the Wilson's grown daughter. For both the women it's comfortable, but Hachi is a one-man dog; Parker is his soul mate. Everyone in Bedridge's small town center watches with amazement as the years pass and every day Hachi arrives in time to meet his master's returning train. Spoiler alert: When tragedy strikes the family, everyone is devastated, and those left behind struggle to endure their great loss. But it's Hachi that teaches the family and everyone in Bedridge the true meaning of allegiance.

Is It Any Good?

Like a Zen meditation, this movie has a calm pace that soothes viewers. That is, until tragedy occurs and Hachi's true colors shine through. The story of the real Hachi in 1930s Japan has been relocated by director Lasse Hallstrom to the United States in the 21st century. That keeps the story relatable for modern, English-speaking audiences. Long recognized for his ability to bring emotion and conviction to his films, Hallstrom truly captures this dog's-eye view of life. The leisurely pace and the gracefully portrayed passage of time and the dog's maturation combine with the beautiful settings and natural performances to make this a memorable film. However, be prepared to shed a tear and perhaps deal with younger audience members' sensibilities.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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 opens the gate to let Hachi decide to stay with her family or go off on his own. Given the circumstances, what else might she have done? Which of her alternatives was more loving? Which was more responsible? What would you do?

  • Do you agree with the MPAA "G" rating for this movie? What might the ratings board have taken into consideration before assigning that rating?

Movie Details

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