10 Promises I Made to My Dog

Title: 10 Promises I Made to My Dog (Inu to watashi no 10 no yakusoku)

Release Date: 26 June 2008

Language: Japanese

Cast: Etsushi Toyokawa, Lena Tanaka, Mayuko Fukuda, Ryo Kase, Shota Saito

Director: Katsuhide Motoki

Synopsis:

Set in modern day Japan, 12-year old Akari fell in love with a puppy that had wandered into her house and she adopted it. She names it "Socks" as its' paws looked like they had white socks on. 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, her father's resignation, puppy love, career ambitions and independence. As she grows into adulthood, the distance between girl and dog pulls apart. But, as Akari will find out, at every step, Socks is there to provide unquestioning love and support.

This is the latest animal tale that, like all precedents, tugs mercilessly at the heartstrings. However, one difference to highlight is that social issues take on an important role in the film: family versus career as well as ambitions against expectations. These are interwoven with the storyline to affect Akari and Socks’ friendship, providing thought-provoking moments to chew on.