10 Promises to My Dog

IN JAPANESE WITH ENGLISH AND CHINESE SUBTITLES
Genre: Drama
Director: Katsuhide Motoki
Cast: Lena Tanaka, Ryo Kase, Mayuko Fukuda, Chizuru Ikewaki, Akira Fuse, Reiko Takashima, Etsushi Toyokawa
RunTime: 1 hr 57 mins
Released By: Scorpio East Pictures & GV
Rating: G
Official Website: http://www.inu10.jp/

Opening Day: 26 June 2008

Synopsis:

Akari is a 14-year-old schoolgirl living in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. One day, a puppy wanders into her yard, looking lost and frightened. She is a Golden Retriever with white paw markings. Akari names her Socks. Akari's mother consents to her keeping the dog but only after she agrees to keep 10 Promises to Socks . Akari enthusiastically assents and the two begin their journey of growing up together. Akari finds herself having to overcome many changes and challenges: the tragedy of her mother's death, father's sudden resignation, coming-of-age, first romantic feelings, career ambitions and her independence. But at every step, Socks is there to provide unquestioning love and support.

(courtesy from http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/10promisestomydog/10promisestomydog.htm)

Last Saturday, I went to Midvalley to have a gathering with ting yee, ji hong, jun jun and esdelyn. We had our lunch at Secret Recipe and at the end the bill turned out to be whooping RM100+. Haha, it was ok for us as belated birthday boy, ting yee belanja us. Lol. But this was not the main point, the main point was the movie we seen after we had our lunch.

We had nothing to do, so we went to watch movie. At first we wanted to watch Max Payne, but the earliest showing time for that show was 4.30pm as the time we arrived at GSC cineplex was 2.30pm.

Esdelyn suddenly said her friend told her a movie called "10 Promises to My Dog" might be worth watching. After much consideration, we made our decision and managed to buy the ticket although it was 2.45pm when we entered the show room.

This movie was in Japanese. Although there was language barrier, but we managed to understand it through Chinese and English subtitles provided.

It was a movie about a "stray" dog accidentally entered to 14 year-old Akari's house backyard. It happened that her mother had cancer and going to pass away soon. Days before she died, she told Akari she had to fulfill 10 promises if she wanted to rare that dog. Her mother also named that dog as Socks.

After her mother passed away, her father had to do all the house chores. At the same time, he had to work at hospital. Because he was too busy for his work, he slightly neglected Akari. After some time, he realised his mistake. He relinquished his post as university lecturer (after he was promoted from doctor) and opened a clinic.

Time passed fast, her friend (a music talented boy whom Akari admired) had came back from Paris. That time, Akari was 24 years old (her mother told her Socks can only live for 10 more years when Akari was 14).

Akari had graduated as a veterinarian at the same time. So, she was very busy pak tou and doing her job. She had totally neglected her father and Socks. And Socks was getting older and older.

Her bf unfortunately had an accident. He suffered lack of self-esteem. Luckily, Socks was there to help him. Some years ago, after Akari's mother had passed away, Akari suffered some physical illness. And again luckily Socks was there to help her. Although Socks helped Akari a lot of times, Akari was too busy in courtship and her job and continue neglecting Socks.

Finally, Socks sicked heavily, She cant even climb up a stair.

And this part was the most touching part. Akari was busy doing her job. She didnt want to go back although her father called her and told Socks cant last long. Her father took out Akari and Socks picture and put it infront of Socks to prolong her life. At the end, Akari managed to come back after her superior heard her conversation between Akari and her father and allowed her to go back.

By the time Akari reached her house, Socks was lying on the floor. Akari hugged Socks tightly. Her father took out a painted album (Akari's mother was a artist) and showed to Akari. In that album, there were pictures of Akari and Socks painted by her mother and there were words on each pictures. There were 10 pictures. There were 10 promises. Akari read it out 1 by 1. That moment made esdelyn and me cried. It was so touching :')

The story ended with the passing of Socks and after that they found out in Socks's doghouse, there were lots of pictures of Akari and Socks.....there was a letter too. That letter was written by her mother 10 years ago. In that letter, her mother stated actually that "stray" dog was brought by her mother. She wanted Akari to link that dog to her. She wanted Socks to become Akari's mental supporter...

Another good movie this year. Simple plot, touching story, good director, excellent actor and containing noble values. I would vote this movie as the most worth watching movie this year. Ahead of Batman, Kung Fu Panda, Eagle Eye and other Hollywood canned movie.

10 promises to my dog :') i-chi-bang!!!