Hachi: A Dog's Tale [Blu-ray]

The original 1987 Japanese version was filled with many ironies and trajectories that seemed to focus more on Hachi's private struggles. In the beginning, after a long train journey in the winter in which he almost dies, from inside the small cage in which he is transported from the breeder to his new home, Hachi as a small 2 month old pup opens his eyes to the hands of the one who would eventually become his sole friend and loyal master. He is fated for yet another journey, a life-long journey filled with much struggle for survival, but again culminating in the hands of his master. Ironies surround the name chosen for him, Hachi, which in Japanese is the number 8 and one which signifies promise and good fortune, even divine favor. It also turns out that Hachi is the 5th of 5 Akita breds that his master has tried to raise. The first four did not survive 2 years, Hachi the 5th is the one that does. The twist is that though Hachi survives well beyond 2 years, his master does not which puts him on multiple trajectories of life-threatening struggle. Eventually abandoned to the streets, one thing keeps him focused in his long journey, his love for and loyalty to his master. His 9 yr search for his deceased master (which actually occurred in the true historical biography of Hachi) drives him into the hearts of a few compassionate people, but mostly into the ire of others. And this is how the original version played out, finally ending in Hachi's dramatic reunion with his master and release from this world with its hardships and betrayals. His loyalty is fulfilled.This later American version is similar on some fronts but different on others: fewer ironies I believe. It focuses more on simplicity, family and community. The film's slow metabolism gravitates more towards Hachi's experience that we might understand and experience how he experienced events and relationships, such that in his simple black and white world salted with simple acts of giving and receiving, the simple truth and sincerity of those acts reveal themselves forming into lasting bonds of friendship, commitment and loyalty. These transactions eventually extend into the larger community in his daily vigils at the town square so that something very uncommon begins to flow out of something that appears very common. The film achieves in depth what it lacks in surface.To illustrate further, at his master's funeral service, words of Whitman's "Leaves of Grass_Songs To Myself" are read aloud by his university associate and friend Ken Fujiyoshi. Ken reads: " I hear and behold God in every object.........I find letters from God dropped in the street, .......And I leave them where they are for I know that others will punctually come forever and ever". For purposes of this film, this might allude to the divine nature of the number 8 (Hachi) in Japanese culture, signifying something rising to and coming down from Heaven to earth, but also to the notion that there is nothing `common', that all is commonly uncommon, that everything has impact from a solitary snow flake descending to earth upon heavenly currents and existing for not more than a moment to a pup that sees and hears in black and white.As the trains themselves are currents in the daily life of the community, Hachi himself becomes a quiet but impactful undercurrent at the station....a memo to the community about the importance of family, faith, friendship, relationships, commitment and loyalty, vitals to the human spirit and social body. And this is where I believe the original Japanese film and the American version contrast. In this version, Hachi's life has more impact in the community. Today a monument to Hachi stands in his honor at the Shibuya station and is one of the most attended sites in Tokyo. The simple but grounded image of the faithful companion resides there an anachronism to the modern time-driven world encouraging pedestrians, viewers and visitors to be more attentive to relationships and things of the human spirit, past and future, with all of their perplexities and uncertainties. Whispers though they be become loud when finally acknowledged.A brief summary of this film's final moments follows:After 10 years, his mistress finally came to terms with her husband's death and returned to visit her daughter, son-in-law and grandson. It was at the end of the year, during the Christmas season, a time for giving. Before going to her family's home, while it was still daytime, she visited her former home, and then her husband's grave. From there she passed by the station where she found Hachiko waiting at his spot, now a much older version, weaker, heavier and in fading colors, but his loyalty never diminishing. He looked tired, even sad, but recognized his mistress and welcomed her. His mistress, surprised, gave to him the affection she had withheld when they were together in those earlier years. In so doing, she was not only embracing Hachi, but also loving her husband. She stayed by his side for the next train after which she departed to her daughter's home. With their family reunited, the circle was now complete, the stage set.Hachi would find Home that evening dying peacefully in his master's arms while faithfully waiting in the same place he had all these years. The sun had set, Christmas lights illumined the station, the air was crisp, and a light snow began to fall as it did 11 years earlier when he found his master. Hachi, having worked his way to the station for the evening arrival, laid at his spot at the front of the circle's edge ( a small circular island overlayed with flowers and a park bench at its center), hoping but with dimming vision. The station, except for a few people departing, appeared empty. Hachi, not finding his master among them fell asleep and began to dream: He saw a brightly lit Train arriving at the station while at the same time began re-living memories of some of his most cherished moments. He saw himself running and walking with his master as they enjoyed their companionship on paths to his home. It was in a warm and brightly lit world cognizant of no end. His master now disembarking the Train as he had always done emerged through the doors into Hachi's Heart where he faithfully gave himself one last time. The circle complete, Hachi found him as he did 11 years earlier, at the station in the colors of beginnings, without mystery. Lunging from himself into his master's arms he freely gave himself as a gift without age borne out of an uncommon bond of companionship, trust and loyalty. Hachi passed on separating quietly, peacefully and seamlessly where he lay. As the falling snow sank into his now still and hollow brow, the Train quietly departed with its lamps fading into the silent cold mists of the night.....This is a very well acted film with a very good script, highly recommended for animal lovers and the sensitive of heart. This is not really a Richard Gere type of film but he demonstrated his versatility with an award level performance. Watch both the Japanese and American versions to compare and contrast. Both are well done...

This was devoted dog who live his own,they came the best of friends,every morning the dog and walk to Tran station,the would watch own get on train ho to work and return in evening waiting for owner,one day owner died at work never came back from work on train! Well every day for years the dog would wait for owner to get off train,the dog waited for over twenty yrs,the dog died at train station waiting for owner to return.

I was sobbing and kissing my dog by the time the movie was over. I really lost it when they showed the real dog and owner that this true story was about♡

It is an amazing movie.

I've watched the movie a couple times. It's based on a true-to-life story and is a little bit sad, but also very heart-warming.

Movie was good.

A great movie. Very well acted.

As a dog lover, this movie touches my heart and makes me cry every time I watch it. The fact that it's based on a true story makes it all that more emotional.

Ich bin ein Fan von Richard Gere , wieder eine toll gespielte Rolle !

Superbe film inspiré d'une histoire vraie. Histoire super émouvante. Si vous aimez les animaux et en particulier les chiens, vous ne regretterez pas sa vision. Richard Gere joue très bien, le chien aussi.

Hachiko - Il tuo migliore amico, un film, una meraviglia, una emozione unica! Una storia vera che ormai conoscono tutti, un cane e la sua fedeltà assoluta al proprio padrone! Una pellicola magistrale, difficile non commuoversi, per chi ama gli animali e ne comprende il cuore e l'amore eterno che sanno dare ai propri padroni! Un film che si deve avere e rivedere tutte le volte in cui l'amore vince su tutto! Capolavoro!

produit impecable et livraison aussi

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