Lasse Hallstrom, the Swedish director of prestige dramas that Oscar just loves, first came to mainstream attention in 1985 with his film, My Life As A Dog. And today, it was announced that he’s making another canine-related movie – only this one will actually be about a dog.
Hachiko, A Dog’s Story is a remake of a Japanese film, based on a true story about an Akita dog (a beautiful breed, like a husky with a shorter nose and an addiction to pizza) named Hachiko who has become something of a legendary figure in Japan and a symbol of undying loyalty.
Like his Scottish counterpart, Greyfriars Bobby, Hachiko is famous for keeping a vigil for his dead master. For over a decade, Hachiko waited in vain for his master to return home, a display of love that has been commemorated in Tokyo in the form of an annual celebration and a statue in his honour.
And now Hallstrom has signed on to direct the American remake of the story, which will relocate the action Stateside. Richard Gere – who starred in Hallstrom’s last movie, The Hoax – will play a college professor who takes in Hachiko. Now, interestingly, Hachiko's master was a college professor, so is Gere going to appear largely in flashback? Or has the story been tweaked somewhat?
The Japanese film Hachi-Ko, directed by Seijiro Koyama, told the tale of Hachiko from his birth up until his death and reunion with the spirit of his master, so we're curious to see if Hallstrom takes the same tack. Oh, and Joan Allen today also signed on to join the cast.
Stephen P. Lindsay has written the script, and shooting will begin in Rhode Island come January.