Some bonds are so deep that they cannot be severed by death-as though an invisible thread holds them together.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is based on a true story that portrays the deep emotional connection between a professor and his dog named, Hachiko. The 2009 film, starring Richard Gere, was inspired by the original Japanese movie- Hachiko Monogatari which was made in 1987, as well as multiple novels and articles. The movie has been relocated from Japan to the US while keeping the original storyline intact.
The movie shows how an unexpected turn of events led to a life filled with loyalty and love. Their story began when Professor Parker Wilson stumbled upon a pup-Hachi’s crate which had accidentally fallen from a baggage carrier at a train station. Initially the professor only intended to help the puppy by keeping him temporarily. As the puppy remained unclaimed, Parker found himself growing more attached day by day. Seeing the bond they shared, Kate Wilson (Parker’s wife) eventually warms to Hachi despite initially being against the idea of keeping a dog. The family falls in love with the pup-named ‘Hachi’ after the Japanese character for the number eight on his collar tag.
Over time, Hachi became an inseparable part of the family. Every day, Hachi would walk with the professor to the train station to drop him off as well as pick him up in the evenings. Hachi displayed utmost devotion and extraordinary loyalty. However, the professor has an unexpected death and never returned home. Devastated but completely loyal, Hachi refuses to accept that his master is gone. He continued to wait for him at the station for the next nine years through freezing winters and scorching summers, regardless of the circumstances. With every passing day, Hachi won the hearts of everyone at the station. His loyalty and unconditional love show how deeply animals can bond with people. Even death had failed to weaken the unwavering bond that Parker and Hachi shared.
One of the most powerful aspects of the movie was its soundtrack, written by the renowned film music composer, Jan A.P Kaczmarek. The soulful music helped carry the emotional weight of the story. The soft instrumental music complimented the scenes and emotional moments perfectly, allowing the viewers to connect with each scene more personally. Comparing the playful and joyous music at the beginning of the film with the melancholic melodies towards its end helps us see the contrast as well as the change in emotions of their story.
The Statue of Hachiko was built just outside the Shibuya Station in Tokyo, at the exact spot where Hachi waited, to honour the loyal Akita dog and has become one of Japan’s beloved landmarks.
Statue of Hachi at Shibuya Station, Tokyo
Their story demonstrates that love does not disappear with death. The movie captures this bond in the most heartbreaking and beautiful way possible, and with immense simplicity. What stays with you is the depth of a bond that refused to fade.