“What sets this film above so many movies about animals is that it's about a dog who is realistic in every aspect.” – Roger Ebert, said in the Chicago Sun Times. As big dog lovers we're happy to present a clip from the film, "Quill: The Life Of A Guide Dog." Directed by Yoichi Sai (4 time Japanese Academy Award winner for "Blood And Bones"), 'Quill' appears to be a documentary on the surface, but it's based on the true story of a beautiful labrador retriever whose compassion and devotion transform him into a dedicated guide dog for the blind.
Here's the official synopsis.
Quill, a Golden Labrador Retriever puppy so named because of the feather-shaped birthmark on his side, is sent to live with a couple, Isamu (Teruyuki Kagawa) and Mitsuko (Shinobu Terajima), who work as volunteers for the training of seeing eye guide dogs. Quill is subsequently taken to a professional guide dog school led by the friendly yet firm trainer Satoru Tawada (Kippei Shiina). Although Quill is a little slower than the other dogs at the school, he does exhibit a peerless level of devotion and patience for his trainers. Tawada decides that Quill would be the ideal guide dog for Mitsuru Watanabe (Kaoru Kobayashi), a lonely and ill-tempered elderly man who "would rather sleep than be dragged around by a dog." Letting his natural instincts guide him, Quill gradually helps his new master to open up and appreciate life. With time, Wanatabe learns not only to trust and enjoy the presence of other humans, but the dedicated animal at his side who guides him, as well.
'Quill' is out in limited release now and can also be seen on iTunes, Amazon and Vudu. The picture hits DVD on July 10th.