Details

Release year: 2017

Storyline

A dog discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with Ethan.

Top credits

Directors

Lasse Hallström

Writers

Cast

Josh Gad — Bailey, Ellie, Tino, Buddy
Dennis Quaid — Adult Ethan
Peggy Lipton — Adult Hannah
Bryce Gheisar — Ethan - 8 Years Old

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Did you know

• Before theatrical release, controversy arose when behind-the-scenes footage surfaced and appeared to show a distressed dog being forcibly submerged in turbulent pool water during filming. As a result of the leaked footage, the filmmakers chose to cancel the U.S. premiere. Controversially, on February 4, 2017, the American Humane Association stated that the footage was misleadingly edited and no abuse occurred.

• The Maya segment of the film differs from the events in the book. In the book, Maya is a K9 officer who takes over handling Ellie after her first handler, Jakob (Carlos in the film), is shot and injured by a kidnapper. In the movie, it is Ellie who is shot - fatally - by the kidnapper, then reincarnated as Tino the Corgi and adopted by Maya, a college student.

• Final film of Peggy Lipton.