The moment you start watching the puppy Hachi in the first scene of the movie being shifted from one country to another,you just cannot stop adoring the little fella.He is the highlight of the movie and thats quite intentional as it is centered around him.
As many would have read in the synopsis,Hachi is brought home by Parker(Richard Gere) when he comes home from his daily work routine and finds Hachi abandoned at the train station.As many people would try to find its owner,Parker sets to find the true owner(but fails) and starts advertising for adoption.The story that unfolds later may be slow and drab but it is well told and the chemistry between Parker and Hachi is truly commendable and engaging.Small yet cute details such as showing Hachi's vision in the form of black and white are worth a mention.The characters in this movie are few but manage to deliver decent performances such as the hot dog guy,Parker's wife and friend.Without revealing much about the movie,let me point out that its Richard Gere and Hachi who steal the show.Throughout the movie you feel that two are meant to be together forever to the point you doubt sometimes that whether Parker has a daughter and a wife living in his house.Nonetheless,he loves them too.
One of the most important talked about point about the movie is its ability to touch everybody's heart and make the audience and viewers shed a few tears for the second half of the movie.This is something I totally agree and this movie is one such rare gem that made me cry the most.Its just so sad in some scenes.I bet all pet lovers would love this movie and appreciate it as a highly engaging and emotional movie.This is certainly one of my favorite movies and since I am not a pet owner yet,am planning to buy an Akita dog and name it 'Hachi' for he is the hero just as the kid mentions.