忠犬八公
"Hachiko:A Dog's Tale" is directed by Lasse Hallstrom (The Cider House Rules),and is based loosely on the real life story of a dog,named Hachiko,who was born in Odate,Japan in 1923.His master,Dr.Eisaburg Ueno,was a professor at the University of Tokyo who died in 1925.Hachiko returned to the Shibuya train station the next day,and every day for the next nine years until he died in 1934.Today,outside the Shibuya train station,where Hachiko waited,is a bronze statue of Hachiko.
In this particular movie we have a similar story,only the dog is in transport to the United States,where he escapes,and ends up in Parker Wilson's (Richard Gere) possession.Parker eventually decides to keep the dog since the owner cannot be found.Hachiko,or Hachi,as he is usually called here,at one point breaks free of his yard,and follows Parker to the train station.Eventually Hachi is allowed to accompany Paker to the train station everyday.But at one point Parker never returns to the train station,since he has died at the university.
The movie then becomes a tale of a loyalty that reaches far into the bonds of memory.Hachiko never realizes that his master has died,and even though he never sees his master again,he never forgets him.What is Hachi's purpose now that his master has died?His purpose seems to be to wait for his master who will never return.It is at once moving and heartrending,as it is a tragedy of sorts,and one that is only resolved once Hachiko also dies.This is a beautifully told tale that makes one think about the things that are important for us to go on living,even after those that we have loved have died.
幸福终点站
The Terminal is an excellent comedy/drama that teams Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg together once again.While it not may be their best work together,The Terminal stands far above most of the movies released this year.Viktor Navorski is flying to JFK Airport in New York when his home country,Krakozhia,is overthrown during a military coup.Because of this,Navorski's passport,visa,and ticket are invalidated,meaning he can't go back home,and he can't go to the U.S.The only option left is to stay in the international terminal of the airport.Making the best of the situation,Viktor begins to learn English,learn the ways of the airport,and even get a job as a contractor with a group renovating parts of the airport.Most importantly,Viktor begins to make an impact on the airport staff.Meanwhile,the airport security director is trying to find a way to get Viktor out of his hair and out of the airport.This is a very good,heartfelt movie.And while it may not be Spielberg's best,it is still well worth a watch.
Tom Hanks give an excellent performance as Viktor Navorski,a native of Krakozhia forced to live in JFK airport.Like most of the characters he plays,Hanks' Viktor is incredibly likable.Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Amelia Warren,a stewardess who befriends Viktor.Stanley Tucci plays Frank Dixon,the airport chief of security who wants the popular Viktor out of his terminal.Chi McBride,Diego Luna,and Kumar Pallana are excellent in supporting roles as airport staff that become Viktor's friends during his stay in the airport.If you buy the DVD,beware because there are two different widescreen copies available.One offers just the movie while the other offers widescreen presentation and plenty of great extras including interviews with Hanks and Spielberg.I recommend the one with extras for a deeper look at the movie.For an excellent,heartfelt movie from Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg,check out The Terminal!