Inu to watashi no 10 no yakusoku

You probably cannot count just how many doggie movies are out there, with its fair share coming out of Japan. Neither can I, and ever since Hachiko I thought none could stand up to the loyalty of that dog, but I guess I was wrong. You think you know the usual drill when it comes to stories about man's best friend, but I guess one can always count on the Japanese to weave a story based on much melodrama that somehow works, no matter if it at first glance might seem to be familiar.

Like how the dog remains unflinchingly loyal to its owner, good or bad in its owner's treatment of it. Or how it can always be relied on to provide that listening ear, even though they obviously don't speak our language, or best of all, how as a puppy the camera always capture their best angle to make you wish you could go home to one who that will always wag its tail and playfully pounce on you as a greeting, as if you're the best person in the world that stepped through the door.

The 10 promises referred to here isn't exactly 10 of the best that one would actually commit to the pet, but rather, a pact of understanding from both parties that build on trust. And that turns out to be key to the story, as it extends not only between animals and man, but across relationships that both parties will forge with others and fellow species as well. In fact, some of these serve as universal reminders, and I suppose young kids who are brought to see this G-rated film, will probably come to understand that it takes a lot of responsibility to take care of a pet, especially when one's priorities in life tend to change as one grows up within the average lifespan of, in this case, a dog.

Told over 10 years, the film stars Mayuko Fukuda and Lena Tanaka as the character of Akari, a young girl who seem to suffer from setback after setback ranging from family to relationship issues, despite her sunshine cheery demeanour. And the best parts in the movie pertain to the carefully crafted story about family, about being there for your loved ones, and making precious moments count. And with the 10 promises, we will journey with Akari to see if she can commit to the pact successfully, or not.

But it's not just a story about a girl and her dog, and there's where this movie shines in being different from the usual run off the mill stories. There's a small sub plot involving Akari's golden retriever Socks in its ability to become a therapy dog, both for herself, and good friend Hoshi (Ryo Kase). And it chief strength was in how it weaved a very nice, touching story about family, of being there every moment that you can, and making such moment matter. Just like how Akari's father Saito (Etushi Toyokawa, in a role that perhaps many can identify with) places work in a higher priority than family in order to put bread on the table, but realizes that work just isn't everything as time will just pass you by. And it served as an interesting parallel when Akari loathes her father's non-presence, but slowly we see her succumbing to these same attitudes as well, much to the disappointment of, well, everyone else.

Despite a romantic angle being ploughed into the movie at its midpoint on, its family one still stood its ground and delivered the melodramatic payload when it mattered, to tug at your heartstrings during the inevitable finale. And while listening to the Japanese cast bravely sing their way through Time After Time, I'd figured that while it fit the movie nicely with the message it wanted to bring across, perhaps this version of the song will sooth calm nerves:

Highly recommended if you have never seen a movie about man and his best friend, or if the last one you've watched was a few years ago. Otherwise you should know what to expect when it goes into dramatic overdrive.

Contrary to some reviews here, the last thing i can say about this movie is that it's just another cute movie with a dog in it. I've seen many movies with animals in my life and honestly almost all of them were nothing more than just the usual pile of childish garbage that usually comes out of Hollywood filled with brainwashing morals. 10 Promises to my dog - wipes the floor with Marley & Me or all the Benjys you'll ever see coming out of commercial American cinema for one simple reason, 10 Promises to my dog doesn't exploit cute dog scenes just to be some kind of fluffy kids movie. It's clichéd alright, but it manages to avoid using those scenes to drive the movie and surprise surprise, it's not a movie about a cute dog but a movie about the impact of owning an animal. And it's depicted in the most natural way i've ever seen. The owners don't look like Models and do not live glamorous lives, the kids don't play baseball and nobody is trying to treat audiences like idiots by explaining everything, every minute by doing it in your face using dialogues full of American family values passing for universal ones. And best of all 10 Promises to my Dog makes us think about things we weren't expecting at all, specially if we go into this movie thinking it's just like another Disney kids movie. This is a family movie, but believe me, it's not exactly for kids due to its adult emotional content and many layers. It's a movie for everyone who ever owned a dog. Don't be discouraged by its looks and cute movie posters. There is much more to it, touches some interesting areas like death, responsibility and solitude and manages to do this without the audience even noticing it. But above all it has real characters with human trades we can recognize. This is an amazing little movie, it's not just another movie with a dog. If there is a movie that truly depicts the difference between oriental cinema nowadays and American popcorn stuff is this one. It's popcorn alright but it has much better butter in it. See it, before you get a dog or if you ever owned one. It's amazing.

A 14 year-old girl becomes the owner of a Golden retriever puppy and, with her mother, makes ten promises to the dog. Mom leaves the picture early, and dad becomes a Mr. mom. We see the dog, Socks, grow from puppy-hood to adult over the next ten years. Along the way, the girl becomes an adult with responsibilities and a life with others not including the neglected doggy. All will be well in the end as the woman and canine find their way. I have a weakness for dog movies and I highly recommend this one. The Golden retriever is amazing and the humans are pretty much secondary. Socks is a star.

Expected usual dog movie with emotional ending, but I encountered different here. In fact the end was very touching, but this dog movie is not your regular one. It is largely distinct from similar themes you had seen before which is not ruled by the dogs like the one from 'The Cave of the Yellow Dog'.

This is a pure drama about the father-daughter relationship and a childhood friendship where a dog sneaks into their lives as the part of it. The best performances by everyone, but sad for those who are expected dog's contribution like naughty stuffs to enjoy the parts of the story.

To clearly say about the plot, it is about a girl who makes the 10 promises to her dog and would she keeps her oath is what the movie briefs in the rest. If you ever had a dog it will question you as well what you did for him/her other than giving shelter and food.

So far seen half a dozen of Japanese dog movies, but this is one of the special dog movie, in some angle it is best of its kind. Because the story was not told from the dog's perspective or dog did not have a strong presence. All about his/her master, whether he treated respectfully with love and shared his life or not.

I remind you again, don't go for it expecting the regular style dog movie because you may end in a disappointment. But I still recommend this decent romance-drama which stated its intention clearly to the viewers with a strong ending.

If you own a dog, go watch this in a quiet, private place where you can curl up in foetal position and cry, while reflecting on all the times your dog wanted to play with you and you turned them down because you had to work.

I made the mistake of watching this on a plane. Cute dog movie, light hearted, why not? Wrong! 20 mins in, tears are flowing, people, incl. Flight attendants wondering why this grown man is crying. Had to give up 5 mins after, couldn't finish it.

Spend every moment you can with your dog. Their life is short and although they are but a (happy and unforgettable) chapter of your life, you are their whole life.

I will go hug my dog now. Will report back when (if) I can finish the movie.