Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi Returns with 'Evil Does Not Exist'

Following the global success of "Drive My Car," acclaimed Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi returns in 2023 with "Evil Does Not Exist" (悪は存在しない), a mesmerizing and thought-provoking film that has already garnered significant international recognition.

Ryusuke Hamaguchi has rapidly become one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary directors. His previous film, "Drive My Car" (2021), achieved international renown, winning Best Screenplay at Cannes and the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Other notable works include "Happy Hour" (2015) and "Asako I & II" (2018). Hamaguchi is known for his intricate narratives, naturalistic performances, and a deep understanding of human relationships and societal dynamics.

The film centers on a small, tranquil village near Tokyo, where a local resident, Takumi, and his daughter, Hana, live in harmony with nature. Their peaceful existence is threatened when a Tokyo-based company announces plans to build a glamping site nearby, which could disrupt the local ecosystem and water supply. As the villagers confront the developers, the film delves into the complex relationship between humanity and nature, and the subtle ways in which progress can lead to unforeseen consequences.

"Evil Does Not Exist" premiered in Competition at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in September 2023, where it was awarded the prestigious Grand Jury Prize. The film has since been selected for numerous other major international film festivals, further cementing Hamaguchi's reputation as a leading figure in world cinema.

The film has been met with widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Hamaguchi's masterful storytelling, subtle direction, and profound exploration of environmental themes and human nature. Critics have particularly highlighted the film's meditative pace, which allows for deep immersion in its natural settings and the quiet lives of its characters. The stunning cinematography, capturing the serene beauty of the Japanese countryside, contrasts sharply with the slow-burn suspense that builds towards a truly unsettling and ambiguous ending. This powerful and timely work from one of contemporary cinema's most important voices is lauded for its ability to raise complex philosophical questions about humanity's impact on the environment without offering easy answers.

"Evil Does Not Exist" is now playing in selected theatres internationally.