Richard Gere, a seasoned actor known for his diverse roles, recently shared his philosophical insights on “Hachi: A Dog’s Story,” an American adaptation of the touching 1987 Japanese film “Hachiko Monogatari.” This heartwarming narrative revolves around a devoted Akita dog that faithfully waited for its deceased master at a train station. Gere emphasized that the story transcends the typical understanding of loyalty, portraying a profound connection between two souls that goes beyond a simple owner-pet dynamic. He described their relationship as one of “soul friends,” devoid of subservience, where the distinction between master and dog dissolves.
Gere, who has been a familiar face in Japan since his work on “American Gigolo” in 1980, admitted that he wasn’t deeply familiar with the legend of Hachiko, a figure that has become ingrained in Japanese folklore. The poignant story recounts how Hachiko would daily await his master, a professor at the University of Tokyo, at Shibuya train station. Even after the professor’s passing, the loyal Akita continued its vigil for a decade until its death in 1935. In tribute to this extraordinary loyalty, a statue was erected outside Shibuya station in 1934. Although the original was melted down during wartime, a bronze replacement was installed in 1948, transforming the site into one of Tokyo’s most cherished meeting points.
Recounting his first visit to the Hachiko statue, Gere described the experience as deeply emotional, particularly with the sculptor’s presence. He revealed that upon reading the script approximately three years prior, he was moved to tears, a reaction that solidified his commitment to the project. Gere and his team aimed to create a film that was both simple and honest, ensuring profound respect for the original narrative, likening the final work to a timeless fable.
The original Japanese film, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, achieved significant commercial success, grossing over 4 billion yen in Japanese theaters. The new American version, titled “Hachi, Yakusoku no Inu” in Japan, is set in Rhode Island and directed by Lasse Hallstrom, renowned for his work on “The Hoax” and “Chocolat.” Gere takes on the role of the professor, with Joan Allen portraying his wife.
Gere highlighted that the true stars of the film were the three Akita dogs who embodied Hachiko. He humorously noted the breed’s challenging temperament, stating that typical rewards like food and affection are ineffective. He shared that the production hired three of America’s top dog trainers, who, he quipped, likely earned more than he did. Gere recounted his initial meeting with the dogs, where he was instructed to maintain a distance and avoid any attempt to elicit their affection, a process that took three days before he earned their trust.
As a producer on the film, Gere and director Lasse Hallstrom opted for digital filmmaking. This decision allowed for the seamless capture of interactions between Gere and the dogs, eliminating the need for numerous short takes. He explained that the production often dedicated up to 10 hours a day to filming the dogs, with his own scenes comprising only about 10 minutes, playfully admitting he felt like “second-class” on set.
A dedicated humanitarian involved in causes ranging from Tibet to AIDS, Gere intentionally avoided using media engagements to promote specific issues, a departure from his past practices. Instead, he focused on fostering a more relaxed and interactive atmosphere with reporters. He observed a notable difference in engagement between journalists in the U.S. and Europe compared to Japan, where attempts at humor were met with a reserved demeanor, as if laughter would be impolite. Even his efforts to connect with photographers were met with resistance, as they preferred to solely capture his image. Accepting the situation with a shrug, Gere remarked, “OK, forget about it. I’m outta here. See ya.”
“Hachi: A Dog’s Story” premiered in Japan on August 8th.
