Quill (2004) Reviews

• Quill

  sarazin12005-03-09

  This is an emotional movie, very heartwarming. A true life story cycle of a guide dog. I've seen it and it warms you up directly for animal lovers and indirectly for non animal lovers. Overall, a good cinematography but more can be add on. They should make more films like this, where they can show us how it looks like in the eyes of these superb creatures created by god for a purpose. Directorship is of this film is good and the director emphasize on balancing the act of both animals and humans in this film. At least, I know now how an animal feels when things like this happens. It just warms your heart when watching this film. In words, its a good movie to watch with your girlfriend who will definitely hold your hand whilst watching this movie.

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• Open your eyes to "Quill".

  BrigitteD2005-07-07

  An enchanting Japanese production, "Quill" is at once a documentary and a dramatized account which chronicles the daily life of a guide dog and its integral role in society. From birth, it's obvious that Quill, appropriately named because of the distinctive dark marking on its otherwise light-colored coat, is more special than the rest of its litter. An observation which prompts its owners to enroll Quill into a seeing-eye dog program. And so, we see Quill develop from a curious, playful puppy to a responsible and reliable aid. Quill must also adapt to many transitions and new beginnings as he transfers from its original owners, to the training kennel, and finally, to the family he is assigned to. From there, Quill is paired with a cranky, impatient and stubborn blind man. At first, the man refuses the offer of any help as he wants to maintain his sense of independence. Overtime, they learn to get used to one another, as Quill begins to work with the man, and soon they find each other overcoming many obstacles and experiencing much triumphs together. Later, Quill and the man begin to rely on one another, and form a bond which succeeds in dissolving the man's cold disposition. Eventually, both illness and advanced maturity take their toll on both of them, which sadly and inevitably results in the end of their journey together. "Quill" is obviously set apart from the standard "Disney" movies about the friendships born between a human being and his dog. Also, it does not feature stage animals whose only purpose is to act cute and do tricks for the camera. Children will also be able to benefit from this film in a different way as it teaches many valuable lessons about the cycle of life, and raises awareness towards the visually impaired, provoking both subtle humor and sadness in the process.

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• No matter how you feel about dogs, you'll LOVE this movie!

  firehorsefilms2005-06-03

  This review contains NO spoilers. I will just say that if you're one of those people who says, "I hate dog movies. Crazy antics. Slobber jokes. Prat falls.", that will have no bearing on your enjoying this film because it is about dignity, love, warmth and the beautiful spirit of a dog you'll wish you knew in real life. The film is EXTREMELY well-acted, written, produced and directed. It provides a wonderful look at everyday Japan and never falls back on insulting or racist stereotypes that Western filmmakers perpetuate and Western film-goers buy into. There's nothing better than one's culture being presented by a native of that culture. It spares intelligent viewers the normal cringing that comes with ignorant portrayals of non-Anglo groups of people. This is a great movie and should be an Oscar-winner. I will DEFINITELY own it when it comes out on DVD. I have never owned a dog in my life and usually am not touched or enthralled by "animal" or "pet" movies. But I loved "Quill," and I love Quill. When I buy my lab, I'm going to name him Quill. 'Nuff said.

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• The best dog movie in years

  StevePulaski2012-12-12

  Quill is among one of the cutest, most lovable movie dogs I have ever seen. He is a Labrador who was raised from the time he was born to be a guide dog for the blind and achieves the goals to become one not over time, but seemingly through his aptitude for patience, kindness, and responsibility. He was one of several pups to be born and then taken to a foster family for one year as they trained him to become a loyal, playful, yet disciplined dog. When the inevitable "parting ways" scene comes between Quill and his foster family of one year, roughly fifteen minutes in, it inspires tears as if it wasn't planned or even hinted at. That is one of the strongest regards I can sincerely pay to a film targeted at making the audience cry. We know Quill's first family is a temporary one, we know he only has a one year time frame with them, and we know both parties are in for a beneficial experience. To know all that and shed authentic tears at the forthcoming "end of a chapter" shows that the picture utilized its emotional heights properly, with added integrity, and not in a manipulating fashion. After spending a year with a kind Japanese family, Quill is off to formal training to become a guard-dog, learning key points such as identifying curbs, corners, and objects blocking a blind man's path. He is assigned to Mitsuru Watanabe (Kaoru Kobayashi), a man who is cold to the idea of having a guide dog, feeling it may corrupt the limited independence he still holds on to. He all ready has a stick and feels more comfortable because he's the ones controlling it. Little does he know that Quill has a strong ability to be empathetic with his humans, and he is one of the best dogs a blind man could be fortunate enough to have guiding them. Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog doesn't examine how touchingly the dog and man connect over time, nor does it illustrate how dogs make something softer than it actually is. Director Yôichi Sai objectively shows the casual processes a guide dog is taken through. Going into this expecting a documentary of sorts, I was taken by how stably this tale amounts to the boundaries of fictitious storytelling. For all I know, this could've been a docudrama, illustrating a true story purely and without cliché traps, as it does. Being that Quill is a Japanese film centering on the area of Japan (I've been dancing around that fact for fear that it will curb a potential viewer's mind), Quill's trainer (Kippei Shiina) makes it very clear that when giving Quill directions, Mr. Watanabe must state them in English so as not to open the possibility of Quill mistaking pedestrian Japanese or nearby Japanese dialog for commands. It's an interesting little side-note to say the least. Although not directly stated or marketed to any person, I could see young kids appreciating this story just as much as an adult. The subtitles are basic and can be read by anyone of a fourth grade reading level. Kids will adore the cute little puppy, parents will enjoy the depth and emotional impact (as well as the sensitive direction), and it would be a nice introduction to the unlimited possibilities of getting a dog if a family would be thinking of committing such a step. Some people have stated that Quill had a bad life as a dog and was gravely mistreated throughout his entire career. I don't believe so; the dog was never abused or neglected. His life was somewhat less loving, maybe, than the typical American dog in a middle class suburban home, but never did I recall an instance where Quill was treated with neglect or abuse. If not loved unconditionally, Quill's actions were at least appreciated by not only Mr. Watanabe, but his foster parents, who Quill spends his later days with. As stated before, Quill is one of the cutest, most lovable movie dogs I have ever seen and Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog is among the best dog movies I've ever seen. It shows how dogs assist humans in shockingly beneficial ways and does so by creating an emotionally lively and enjoyable picture with familiar characters and beautiful storytelling. I'd say it's a better dog movie than Marley and Me, because of its concern for performances and the fact that there's more than just a cute dog at the center of its story. Starring: Kippei Shiina and Kaoru Kobayashi. Directed by: Yôichi Sai.

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• Born to be a guide dog..

  ianlim2006-10-01

  Quill, is a story about a dog's life who seems to born to be a guide dog. The movie shows the process of being a guide dog from a puppy to an adult dog, it has lots of touching moments thats connects with the characters of the story. I had read the book before watching this film, the story really touched me and the movie was a well adapted from the book itself, i cried a lot while i was watching it. The trustworthy bonding between human and dogs are very presented in this film. Overall, it's a very worth watching film whether you read the book or not, but of cause, if you are a dogs lover, i'll say go for it then.. ;)

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