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Hachiko: A Dog's Story (Hachiko: A Dog's Tale) (2009)

My Rating

Movie Info

Based on the 1987 Japanese film Hachiko Monogatari, as well as on a true story, Hachi: A Dog's Tale stars Richard Gere as a college professor who finds an abandoned dog and takes the poor lost animal in. The film follows the two as the man and animal soon form a strong and unexplainable bond. Joan Allen co-stars in the Inferno Entertainment production. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

G, 1 hr. 33 min.

Drama, Kids & Family

Stephen Lindsey

Mar 9, 2010

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Cast

All Critics (25) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (15) | Rotten (10) | DVD (4)

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

December 19, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media | Comment
Common Sense Media

An unapologetic tear-jerker. You might resent being emotionally manipulated by this film, but I challenge even the most hard-hearted moviegoer not to spill some saltwater while watching it.

October 17, 2010 Full Review Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune | Comment (1)

An immensely appealing drama about the extraordinary love and devotion of a dog for his beloved human companion.

March 20, 2010 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | Comment
Spirituality and Practice

This is the film equivalent of Nice biscuits, or snow globes, or N-Dubz. You're vaguely aware that they exist but you don't know anyone who actually likes them.

March 16, 2010 Full Review Source: News of the World | Comments (5)
News of the World

Itâ(TM)s an extraordinary and touching story but told with too beady an eye on the box-office for comfort - even if youâ(TM)re a doggy person.

March 16, 2010 Full Review Source: This is London | Comment
This is London

A simple, old-fashioned heartwarmer that all the family can enjoy.

March 16, 2010 Full Review Source: Daily Express | Comment
Daily Express

Bland beyond endurance.

March 16, 2010 Full Review Source: Independent | Comment
Independent

This is mutt mush, pure and simple-minded, for those in the mood.

March 16, 2010 Full Review Source: Financial Times | Comment
Financial Times

Lasse Hallstrom dishes up more classy mediocrity with this brazenly uncomplicated treat for dog lovers.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | Comment
Guardian [UK]

Painstakingly innocuous.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Daily Mail [UK] | Comment
Daily Mail [UK]

Hachiko: A Dog's Tale is pretty pointless, and the director, Lasse Hallstrom, who made his name with the remarkable Swedish movie My Life As a Dog, continues to punch below his weight with another candied slice of sweet-natured Americana.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Observer [UK] | Comments (9)
Observer [UK]

The subsequent tragic events are moving rather than just manipulative, while the bond between man and canine is treated with a tender gravitas that might surprise those expecting merely some doggie-themed weepie.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Radio Times | Comment
Radio Times

The man who once directed What's Eating Gilbert Grape? is now the Hallmark greeting card of movie-makers.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Times [UK] | Comment (1)
Times [UK]

It's not a story that could ever move me: all I see in it is a dumb animal who doesn't know any better.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Times [UK] | Comments (47)
Times [UK]

Come the sniffly denouement, it would take a hard heart not to be won over. Even cynics might find their noses a little wet.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Sky Movies | Comment
Sky Movies

In the canon of recent canine cinema, there are far worse movies than this.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Digital Spy | Comment
Digital Spy

Sensitively directed and rarely over-sentimental, this touching parable will likely ravish the emotions of dog lovers.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Time Out | Comment

Not a dry eye in the house - but not irritating schmaltz either.

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | Comment
Empire Magazine

...a warm and winning family movie about a scholar (Richard Gere) who discovers a lost Akita puppy on his way home from work.

March 13, 2010 Full Review Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette | Comment
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Hachiko: A Dog's Story (Hachiko: A Dog's Tale)

A great family film but real tear jerker. If your a animal lover or have a dog you will cry your eyes out on this movie. About a dog who is faithful to his master even after his death. A must see, no tissues, you will need paper towels. 5 Stars

December 8, 2011
bbcfloridabound
Bruce Bruce

Super Reviewer

This wonderful family film is one of the most treasured and heartwarming true stories ever told. In this story grows deeper, a beautiful friendship of a dog and his master unfolds embodying the true spirt of family and loyalty, while inspiring the hearts of an entire town. Beautifully shot and edited. At the end of the

October 14, 2009
deano
Dean McKenna

Super Reviewer

    1. Ken: Ronnie - 11 years: Where did Grandpa find Hachi?
    2. Cate Wilson: Ronnie, actually, Hachi found your grandfather.
    – Submitted by Anshul V (22 days ago)
    1. Carl: Look, you don't have to wait anymore. He's not coming back.
    – Submitted by Chris P (9 months ago)
    1. Parker Wilson: I'm a lot older than you but I tend to think that there's an element of music that cannot be captured. Life cannot be captured. Human heart cannot be captured. The moment of creation itself is fleeting.
    – Submitted by Chris P (9 months ago)

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