By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Starring: Ayaka Shibutani | Hazuki Kikuchi | Hitoshi Omika | Ryô Nishikawa | Ryûji Kosaka
Original language title: Aku wa sonzai shinai
Year: 2024
Running time: 106
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28490044/reference/
Chris says: “So, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, what are you doing now after all that acclaim (including the Palme D’or and an Oscar) for DRIVE MY CAR? A study of an environmental threat towards a remote community whren a corporation wants to open a glamping (ie-glamourous camping) site, you say? Far more Tarkovsky than Kore-eda, EVIL DOES NOT EXIST is leisurely paced, visually stunning and lyrical and in the end, near-impenetrable–not entirely a deficit depending on one’s expectations. Arguably no other filmmaker would so totally depict the utter futility of “information meetings” where the concerns of said community are both heard and blithely dismissed, or take two characters who initially seem buffoonish and unexpectedly flesh them out until they’re nearly as sympathetic as the two protagonists. Those looking for another cathartic wonder like DRIVE MY CAR won’t find it here, but it offers a lot to unpack and ponder; at a mere 106 minutes, it also more conveniently lends itself to a rewatch or two. 4 cats
“Screened at IFFBoston’s 2023 Fall Focus; Janus Films will distribute (theatrical release likely to be in 2024.)”
Michael says: “I was very excited to see Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s follow up to the acclaimed DRIVE MY CAR at the Toronto International Film Festival, and while from the first shots, the camera moving slowly through the woods, pointed upwards at the sky with bare tree branches forming a latticework, I was transfixed. I had no idea this part-ecological cautionary tale, part-corporate vs. residential folks struggle, part family story would end up where it does. With wry humor, and delightfully drawn characters, Hamaguchi begins his tale in a fairly straight-forward manner, but as we head rapidly toward the film’s conclusion, everything just gets turned upside down, and will leave you scratching your head in befuddlement. I have my own personal interpretation that I will be happy to share with you in private if you don’t mind being spoiled. 5 cats”
“Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, September 2023”