The story of Hachi is one that books and the earlier Japanese version have told through the years. In this version the dogs are the best characters and actors; and the rest is infuriating. Far more emphasis and time are placed on Richard Gere's character. And though it is clear the actor had a good relationship with all the dogs playing Hachi, he is over-emphasized. And the performances by the actresses playing wife and daughter are bland and boring-to say nothing of the way their characters treat Hachi who is relegated to waiting and living outside even in the snow and cold. Eventually, he is abandoned to his waiting spot year in and year out with only the station workers giving a rip about the dog. In the real story, Hachi had a home after his master died. At any rate, this movie missed the true story by a long mile. It's about HACHI and his love for his master. Joan Allen's character is terrible to him from day one and years later acts surprised to see Hachi still waiting. Because she didn't even try to help him. The daughter feigns caring about him, but lets him go. The writer blew the whole story with poor characters and huge plot holes plus irrelevant threads having nothing to do with Hachi. And the true story is actually disturbing because someone should have kept that dog home and loved him enough. Don't make movies and put up statues about heroic waiting dogs: rescue them instead and change their lives.
Review of Hachi: A Dog's Tale
