You probably couldn’t count how many doggie movies there are, with a fair share coming out of Japan. Ever since I saw Hachiko I thought none could beat the loyalty of that movie’s canine star, but I guess I was wrong. Just leave it to the Japanese to weave a truckload of melodrama into a story that works despite all the puppy tropes: the unconditional canine loyalty; the dog’s ever-eager ear for the owner’s troubles (despite being clueless about the language); and best of all, those cute puppy shots that make you wish it would follow you home.

The 10 promises aren’t exactly the best commitments one can make to a pet, but they still create pact of understanding between person and dog – and by extension, between person and any other creature, humans included. Kids seeing this G-rated film will probably come to understand that it takes a lot of responsibility to care for a pet, especially as priorities in life tend to change as one grows within the average lifespan of, in this case, a dog.

Told over 10 years, the film stars Mayuko Fukuda and Lena Tanaka as Akari, a young girl who seems to suffer setback after setback despite her cheery demeanour. The story is carefully crafted, with the best of it about being there for your loved ones and making precious moments count: essentially, it’s an invitation to follow Akari and to see if she makes good on her commitments or not.

But it’s not just a story about a girl and her dog – Akari’s golden retriever Socks takes on a therapeutic role both for Akari and her friend Hoshi (Ryo Kase), particularly as Akari’s father Saito (Etushi Toyokawa, in a role that perhaps many can identify with) makes work a higher priority than his family. Akari loathes her father’s absence, but slowly succumbs to the same trap. The chief strength of the film is in how it accentuates the values of making oneself available to others and of forming personal connections into a touching family story.

Despite the romantic angle halfway through, that family focus remains firm and delivers its melodramatic payload to tug at your heartstrings in the finale. But the Japanese cast’s brave rendition of Time After Time – which fits the movie’s message nicely – will no doubt soothe any jangled nerves.

This film is highly recommended if you have never before seen a movie about man and his best friend, or if the last one you watched was years ago. Otherwise fans of doggie movies will know what to expect when it goes into its inevitable dramatic overdrive.

Stefan S