Realistic ‘Quill’ sits up and obeys
What sets this film above so many movies about animals is that it’s about a dog who is realistic in every aspect. “Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog” doesn’t use fake closeups to show the dog being cute or funny. It doesn’t dub Quill’s “dialogue” or even worse, use CGI to move his jaw and show him “speaking.” Quill is a dog, and that is quite enough.
The Japanese-made film is a fictionalized story, though based on fact, about the lifespan of a yellow Labrador retriever from his puppyhood to old age. Not for a moment did it lose my interest. It answers questions I’ve always had about guide dogs for the blind — and why blind people trust them without hesitation.
Quill’s trainer, Satoru Tawada (Kippei Shina), narrates parts of the story, and the rest is depicted in dramatic scenes. It shows that much of the training of a guide dog is based on common sense. For example, imagine a group of puppies. You call them to come to you. They all eagerly run forward, except for one. Is that the dunce of the litter? Not at all. His hesitation shows he is naturally thoughtful and cautious. He’s the one with guide dog potential.
We follow Quill as he lives for a year with a trainer. When this training has been completed, Quill begins a training regimen with the blind man who will become his owner. This is Mitsuru (Kaoru Kobayashi), who is not some lovable little child but a grouchy man who doesn’t much like dogs. Quill has to be more accepting than his owner.
“Quill” is not a children’s movie, but it would be excellent for children who can read the easily comprehensible subtitles. Adult viewers may find lots of interest, too. For example, in Japan, guide dogs are trained to respond to commands in English. Why? Because everyone around them speaks Japanese, so there’s a possibility of misunderstood commands from others. Makes sense to me. Mitsuru ...... Kaoru Kobayashi Satoru ............. Kippei Shiina Music Box Films presents a film directed by Yoichi Sai. Written by Shoichi Maruyama and Yoshihiro Nakamura. In Japanese with English subtitles. Running time: 100 minutes. No MPAA rating (suitable for all ages). Opening Friday at the Music Box.