What prompted me to write about this article is due to the fact that I’m personally drawn to this fact-based movie for so many obvious reasons. First and foremost, “Hachiko: A Dog’s Story” aka “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” is centred around an Akita played by 3 dogs named Chico, Layla and Forrest in 3 stages of its life from the time when it was an adorable puppy, as an adult dog and when it was in its final years. And being a dog-lover and having a blog appropriately-named “AkitaWoof.com”, what else can I say?

It is a known fact that I love dog movies and when one comes along and pulls at my heart-strings, I just fall to pieces. Coupled with the fact that it was related to the real-life story of an Akita from Japan whose “legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty” upon its death in 1935 makes it even more endearing and heart-felt.

I could go on and on about the storyline or why I loved the movie so much but I think it best that it be viewed personally by anyone who’s reading this article this very moment. All I will say however is that I cried “buckets of tears” and my puffed eye-lids remained in that condition for 2 whole days!! Yup, not kidding!!! Get a whole box of tissues ready ‘cos it’ll surely come in handy when your tear-ducts start to burst at its seams.

Although the 2009 remake was set in the United States of America with Richard Gere in the starring role as opposed to the original 1987 Japanese version “Hachiko Monogatari” with Japan as its backdrop, I’m sure the true spirit behind the story is centred on the “real star” and that is “Hachiko”, no less. So in all honesty, regardless of the location, a dog is still a dog wherever it may be. That’s my take anyway…

But before my viewers rush off to get a copy of the movie, let me just say this: It is a very simple story with no “bad guys” or “over-the-top happenings” so don’t go expecting the usual “Hollywood fare”. But do expect “creative” acting from all 3 Akitas. Yesirree!!!

And, remember to cry… ocean of tears… and allow your heart to be torn to bits…

If the following videoclip trailer of the movie doesn’t jump-start you on a 100-metre-dash to your nearest video shop, then you’re no friend of mine.