VERY moving and touching movie about undying loyalty and true love.  Best dog story ever!
594057
This was easily the best animal movie i've ever seen, and it was based on a true story that took place in Japan decades ago.  The undying love and loyalty between Richard Gere's character and his Akita dog Hachi was portrayed beautifully and emotionally, with excellent nuance and cinematic flair.  I was sobbing by the end of the movie.  It's rated 'G' as well, so it makes for a good family movie.  Do not miss this one!
440059
My biggest fear is dying before my amazing dog...All I could think of is what would happen...This tore my heart out wondering how she would survive the loss.  This movie really brings home the bond and the devotion that we have with our pets.  I wept for the entire last hour of this film.  My dog was right by my side consoling me.  If you are sensitive to this stuff, I am warning you...It is rough getting through it.  But I couldn't turn it off because it was so well done.
2690308
I loved this movie so much.  I hated to see the cruelty the slaves endured, but I had to face the reality that it did happen.  I loved the idea of an intelligent slave, after all his suffering, being so strong.  ( I hope I didn't put in any spoiler.)  My props to the director and writer, Quentin, for his ingenious work.  I love this man's intelligence!  I loved the fantastic actors during what they do best.  I cannot say anything bad about this movie.  It will always be one of my very favorite movies.  It's good to know that, as my Mom always says:  "Every dog has it's day."  lol  Goodness always prevails.
4229593
Based on a true story. Richard Gere does his usual fine acting bonding with Hachi. Jason Alexander and some other actors have small roles in this heart warming man and his truly best friend tale. If you do not get a little misty eyed you have missed one of life's true joys, a dog's unquestioning love for you!
4835131
As soon as my daughter brought this movie to my attention I had to see it! It has two of my special interests, the first (of course) being dogs and how they relate to their two legged friends, the second the mental and physical aspect of any returning soldier.

PTSD (or Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder) is (finally) recognized around the globe yet has existed for as long as warriors have been in active duty. It can be summarized also that it is not only soldiers but anyone who has undergone dramatic experiences as well as their immediate families which often suffers the consequences.

I have seen first hand PTSD resulting of four years of trench fare (grandfather), WW 2 labour camp (father) and soldiers who have come and gone (ret. AFES caseworker for ARC).  I hope you will join me later this week as I return to this subject with another review!

Terry Pulaski's story related in the movie 'DUKE' will introduce anyone to the struggles even the most dedicated and well trained soldier feels when faced with such challenge as PTSD and disability. Some do recover, some struggle their whole life and some lose the battle.
Four years in the trenches left my grandfather with only one lung (mustard gas) and the fear of any whistling sound. An honour soldier standing at 6' 3', no one guessed his fears but his closest loved ones as he flinched  at the mere sound of the wind!

Back to Terry and Duke though! This is the warmhearted story of one veteran struggling to deal with flashbacks and his fears at no longer fitting amongst family and society. He finally leaves his wife and daughter, living for a decade on the edge of society with an amazing dog as his only companion. 'DUKE' is a breathtaking recount of one's man struggles and his four legged friend. As for Duke himself, this beautiful collie will pull at your heartstrings with his show of unconditional love!

Based on a true story, this movie shows Terry coming back from Iraq, wounded both in the leg and in spirit. He loses everything but Duke's steadfast love (as only four legged friends gives), until one day tragedy strikes and they are separated.

I would not spoil this story for you so I will refrain to say anymore. This is a movie with a heartfelt message, one based on love and hope, but also duty and honour and a reminder that a soldier's duty is to never leave any man behind!

Steven Weber as Terry Pulaski and Mark Jean as director are to be applauded for a fantastic rendering of DUKE, a dog like no other!!

5 Stars and people, grab a copy and enjoy with the whole family!

Remember that unless stated otherwise, reviews are only a reflection of my opinion!
665554
I love animal stories, especially dog stories.  This one is so moving and sad I cry everytime, but I keep watching it because I've experienced with a god the kind of loyalty Hachi demonstrates to the Richard Gere character.  Have a box of Kleenex handy and prepare to want to go adopt a homeless puppy.
1342532
Don't watch this movie unless you have a box of Kleenex or a cold and apathetic nature...It is a heart-warming story that links man and dog.  Truly an entertaining and moving experience.
4735757
This movie was a very beautiful, moving story about love and life. One of my all times favorites for sure!
2012212
A move I watched when I was 11 years old. My father had us watch dense and deep movies, such as Tarkovsky's films, etc. This movie was the most touching of all movies I have ever seen. I have looked for it for 20 years and I just found it on amazon a few weeks ago to watch it again.
I definitely recommend this book for people who like deeply touching movies and have the patience for long scenes.
4323440
I could not find anywhere to rent this DVD so I bought it, watched it 3 times again already and have been
loaning it to friends, very touching, sad and heartwarming all at the same time, a story about true heroes.
430281
One of my all time favorite movies. It got to my soul and their story remains there. Every scene held me captivated intensely. A wonderful story of wartime in Turkey when Australia sent their men to fight for a cause and lost many of these men to battle, which in turn left families on both sides broken forever. I liked Russel Crowe before watching this movie, but now I am in awe with his portrayal of the father of these boys, the beloved husband of their Mother & the lover of this fine Turkish woman. All of the actors unfolded their characters in such fine portrayal of the story through.  I hold them all in the deepest respect for bringing such a world class movie to all of the rest of humanity.
3262718
Yes, if you love dogs, you'll love this movie. And if you don't cry in this movie, multiple times, I don't know what to say. I admit it, I'm a sucker for animal movies, and dog movies in particular (Marley and Me, Old Yeller, Incredible Journey, etc). I didn't know the story of Bobby, and thought the movie was going to be more funny than anything else - NOT!!! It was a heartwarming and tear jerking tale of a wonderful little dog (supposed to be a Skye but was a Westie, that part didn't bother me) who was so devoted to his master, that after his master died, he went to the grave every day and laid on it. He also did other things, became friends with Ewan, a little boy in his village, plus caught rats in the cemetery for the gravekeeper. I'm probably not explaining it to its best advantage, but trust me, it's a good story. I had tears within a few minutes of the opening scenes and on through the entire film, some happy, some sad. You cheer for this little dog with his persistence and timeliness. In the end, he brings about good things for the people in the village, who live in horrific conditions (1850's Scotland). SPOILER ALERT: at the end of this movie, you see him running through the hills, and the narrator (Christopher Lee, I think) announces that after 14 years of good and faithful service, he finally lies one last time on his master's grave and closes his eyes for good. It is beautifully filmed in Scotland, the actors are all good in their roles, love their brogues (think Sean Connery here, only more so), lots of story lines going on. The music is engineered to wring tears at the appropriate times, complete with drum rolls and huge swells of violins, but it, too, is beautiful and well matched to the story lines it's accompanying. All in all, I have to say I loved this movie, and I watched it with my yellow Lab in my lap. Curl up with your dog or cat and enjoy the story of Bobby. It may have been embellished and stretched a bit (from what other reviewers have said), but it's a great story, a fine movie and adults and kids will enjoy it equally.
988341
I'd definitely recommend this for all age groups, or entire families to watch together.  It's a moving and meaningful story with magnificent scenery and wonderfully cast characters.  Go see it or buy it.  You'll love it, I guarantee it.
4686585
Of all the movie's I've seen in 63 years, this is the most down to earth, truthful story about how animals really feel about their masters and how attached they can get.  This is so sad. I cried thru half of it.  But OUTSTANDING movie!!!!!!!  Highly recommend.
2614498
Saw this movie when I was pregnant with my oldest son that will be 45 in June. Ordered it to watch with his two daughters. One almost 16 and the other almost 13. Want to share with them the greatest love story of all time. There are not movies like this today. I have seen this movie many times and it is still the greatest and moving love stories of all times!!
2345642
Great movie!  Very uplifting especially if you like movies about animals. I think this is one of the best!
2625456
This is a beautiful and moving story about friendship and the high price that so many innocent people paid.  This story like others gives in-sight into just the type of things that had to be done in order to survive and it gives the viewer the rare ability to see a story of survival.  What one friend does for another is truly amazing.  Because as Lisa tells her priest.... not saving three people from harm.... must surely dis-obey the laws of GOD.  I truly wish that this movie were available on DVD.