Hong's Little Diary

Yet another movie review.. but this time it is about a Japanese dog movie, "10 promises to my dog" or "Inu to Watashi no 10 no Yakusoku" in Japenese which is also a sad and emotional movie. I cried watching it. I didn't shed a tear watching "Sepi" or "One Litre of Tears" but I cried watching this movie. There is seriously something wrong about me. Simon.. Don't watch it.. later you cry one Sungai Perak.. ^.^

Short Synopsis from the internet :
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. (Look at the picture. Her right hand is white) Akari names her Socks. (Coz Akari's mum said that the dog is like wearing a sock at her paw). Her mum consents her to her keeping the dog but only after she agrees to keep 10 promises to Socks. (the promises is below) Akari enthusiastically agrees and the two begin their journey of growing together. Akari finds herself haivng 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.

The 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership
1. My life is likely to last 10 - 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but i choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or I am getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

When I read those commandments, it did gave me an impact. Whatever is said there is so true. That is why I decided to share the commandments with you all. As you know, my dog is 11 years now. So there is not much left to her remaining years.

Watching the movie, I can feel like I am the protagonist (main character) of the movie. Girlie came to my house when I was Standard 4. (10 years old) Then Girlie & me grew up together, just like Akari and Socks. We played together, eat together and have a lot of sweet memories together. Towards the end of the movie, (the saddest part of all) Akari went to a zoo to work. So she didn't come back home often and thus less time spent with Socks and her dad. So only Akari's dad is accompanying Socks. Or should I say Socks accompanying her dad?

Well, that is exactly like my situation. Now that I am studying in MMU, my time at home is getting lesser and lesser. All my siblings are now working, so there left only my parents and Girlie at home. Mum is always taking care of Girlie and playing with her. Girlie is always keeping my mum company. The poor dog is always alone at home. It really make me sad thinking of such situation sometimes..

I know Girlie's time will come someday.. but God.. I do pray hard that it will not be in the near future.. Let Girlie bring laughter and happiness to our home. Watching the last scene where Socks is about to pass away, (that is where I cried T.T) it did hit me as I had experience such situation before. That was my first dog, Blackie. He passed away on 31.08.1997. Everyone in my family including my maid cried that very morning. All of us send him go.. We accompany him until the very last breath.. He died of heart worm disease..

Anyway the movie is really a nice movie to watch. Only GSC Midvalley and GSC Pavillion is showing the movie now. If you can't go, just download it from the internet.. Or transfer from me. ^.^