Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Lasse Hallström, who directed My Life as a Dog, returns to his roots with this remake of 1987's Hachikô Monogatari, focusing on Parker Wilson, a music professor (Richard Gere) who develops a spiritual connection to a dog. In a framing device, Wilson's grandson tells the story in a class report on heroes. Hachi, an Akita, begins life at a Buddhist monastery (whenever the world is depicted from Hachi's point of view, the color disappears from the screen), but is shipped for some unspecified reason to New England, where he eventually runs into Wilson, who takes him in until the owner can be found. Wife Cate (Joan Allen) disapproves, but adult daughter Andy (Sarah Roemer) harbors hopes that Hachi can stay. When no one turns up to claim Haichi, the dog develops a strong bond with Wilson, accompanying him daily to and from the train station. One day Wilson doesn't return, however, and even though Andy takes in the devoted pet, Haichi continues to return to his old stomping grounds. Years pass while the locals, including station agent Carl (Jason Alexander), help look after the dog. Sentimental, but nevertheless affecting, this tale inspired by a true story is recommended. (K. Fennessy)