Hachiko: A Loyal Friend
A professor returning from work finds a Japanese Akita puppy at the train station. Life, and later death, attempts to separate the dog and the man. Akita breeders send curses to Hallström, fearing that if the film is successful, the entire population will be bought up by romantically inclined viewers. After all, Akitas are proud companions of shoguns, not floppy-eared toys.
These fears are not unfounded: Hallström’s dreamy direction makes even the dullest moments of life touching. But you can’t accuse Hallström of being saccharine – “Hachiko” is based on real events that took place in Japan in the 1920s. In his homeland, Hachiko is revered as a hero – manga is drawn about him, books and video games are dedicated to him, and a monument to him was opened during his lifetime. In 1987, the Japanese film “Hachiko” was released; Hallström’s film is a remake.
A Simple Story, Masterfully Told
This simple story presents a complex task for the director: children and puppies are universal tear-jerkers, and the dose of affection must be strictly controlled, but Hallström copes. Part of the film, he shows through the eyes of the dog – washed-out colors, a low angle – and seems to be more interested in his character than in other people’s emotions. “Hachiko,” like its title character, is honest and does not pretend to be anything – how can you not love such a thing?mpire