On the shores of the sea of Punta Negra, in Peru, a dog faithfully waits for his human without knowing that he died in the vast waters many years ago. This heartbreaking story strongly impacted thousands and was also the starting point for a Bamboo Pictures film called 'Vaguito'. With Julián Legaspi, Fiorella Rodríguez and Daniela Darcourt, the film has generated great expectations before its national premiere as it is inspired by the true story of the mascot nicknamed the 'Peruvian Hachiko', due to his unbreakable love for that person who will not be able to never come back.
Prior to the official launch of 'Vaguito', La República spoke with Julian Legaspi in the avant premier. The actor shared secrets behind the feature film, including what its true purpose is and fun anecdotes about his relationship with his canine co-star. In addition, he spoke about the possibility of returning to 'At the bottom there is room'.
YOU CAN SEE: The moving true story of Vaguito, the dog who waits for his owner in front of the Punta Negra sea
—Hello Julian. Congratulations on this new project. Tell us, why did you agree to participate in it?
—First of all, I love animals and especially dogs. It's something that already runs in the family. My mother loved them and gave me that feeling for dogs and animals in general. Second: I love the sea. I love the sea, whenever I can, I go to the beach. I love the work that fishermen do. Also, for a third important point: ('Pancho', his role in 'Vaguito') was a different character from what you have normally seen me play, many villainous, crazy roles. Anyway, this one was good, and he was a fisherman. So, I couldn't refuse. I accepted immediately and I am very happy.
—What other particularities does this role have compared to others you played?
—Normally, the public is used to seeing me playing villain roles, very strong, very temperamental roles: crazy, psychopath, super jealous, possessive or an absolute villain. Now I'm going to play a different role: a man who has love for nature, who has love for animals, who is a fisherman, who lost his wife; a character who is somehow bitter and the relationship with this little dog changes him, but when it finally seems that he finds happiness in it, well, there is an unexpected outcome.
YOU CAN SEE: Daniela Darcourt excitedly confirms her debut as an actress: “I look forward to the day”
—What were the challenges of working with a dog in 'Vaguito'?
—Actually, several, because this is not an American movie in which there are trained dogs. Even in the movies they use several of the same dogs: one that knows how to dance well, another that runs well, another that makes a sad face (…). Here is a single dog that, furthermore, is not a trained one, but was actually taken in, because (…) our Vaguito actor was also abandoned in Lince. So, it was a casting of funny dogs. He was a dog who didn't know how to do practically anything. Wilbert, the trainer, and I have done everything possible to get him to act and do it well. Even when they introduced me to the dog, I saw him and there was no match, there was no communication and I asked the director if the dog could stay with me for a week at my house, and he stayed. It was quite a challenge. At first, he practically wanted to bite me, and then we ended up being friends.
—Who has the Vaguito actor stayed with?
—Right now the dog is with Wilbert. He has adopted it. We became attached and couldn't leave him. Wilbert has a big house and stayed with him. The dog appeared in Lince (…), in a corner, thrown and apparently beaten, super scared (…). He was also an abandoned dog (…). So to me that's even more moving: a dog who has gone from starving on the streets to being famous. And he is going to stay with the coach.
—At the end of the film there is a very special dedication…
—Yes, actually we dedicate it to people who adopt dogs, who protect dogs, who put a glass of water at the door of their house, to those who feed dogs… To all those people who In some way he shows his love for dogs, and we try to raise awareness so that they do not abandon their pets and also that they adopt. Because this is a real thing.
YOU CAN SEE: Hachiko: 100 years waiting at the station, a dog's moving story of loyalty
—What makes 'Vaguito' different from other movies about dogs?
—Well, first it is an original story that is not being copied from the American version, which has nothing to do with it. Yes, it's a bit of the same topic, but it's an original story, a true story of something that really happened here (…). That happened in Punta Negra with the dog and the fisherman, and also because, in addition, it is a moving story that you can watch as a family. It is a film, let's say, suitable for everyone.
—Is there a pet that you remember with special affection?
—Now I have my dog called Mafia. I gave her that name because she was just doing 'At the bottom of the site' and I was practicing: 'Mafia! Mafia!' And the dog looked at me little. So, I named it Mafia. But I also have another one called Lina, which I picked up in Chimbote absolutely full of worms and parasites. She had certain death, but we picked her up with my little children and took her home. She's happy. And she is so grateful and mischievous. I also had a little dog that has already passed away, whose name was Tango. A little, let's say, Vaguito reminds me of my Tanguito, who was with us for many years.
—Since you mentioned 'There is room at the bottom', do you have plans to return to the series?
No no no. Well, no plan, but you never know, right? I am always willing to act and more so in a character that I really liked, that people liked a lot and that gave me a lot of satisfaction. So it's up to them. Now I'm in 'The Other Concha' (…). I am a different character. 'Julito', who is making people laugh (…). Julio, thank you very much.
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