Evil Does Not Exist
Evil Does Not Exist

Evil Does Not Exist

2023Movie106 minJapanese

Takumi and his daughter Hana live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a camping site near Takumi's house offering city residents a comfortable "escape" to nature.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes81%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users78%
Director: Ryusuke HamaguchiGenres: Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

A struggling Tokyo bar owner discovers that his small community is being targeted for a glamping site development. He finds himself caught between preserving the natural environment and the villagers' desire for economic growth, leading to a series of escalating tensions and unexpected consequences.

Critical Reception

Ryusuke Hamaguchi's "Evil Does Not Exist" received critical acclaim for its deliberate pacing, atmospheric tension, and profound exploration of contemporary societal issues. Critics praised its ambiguous narrative and the director's signature ability to draw viewers into complex emotional landscapes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its meditative and thought-provoking exploration of human connection and ecological concerns.
  • Admired for its subtle direction and the creation of a palpable sense of unease.
  • Noted for its slow burn and open-ended narrative that encourages audience interpretation.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's unique, contemplative atmosphere and its timely message about environmentalism and community. Some viewers found the pacing too slow, but many appreciated its artistic merit and the emotional depth it evoked.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's original score was composed by Eiko Ishibashi, who also created the soundtrack for Hamaguchi's previous film, "Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy."

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

The initial few scenes here will give you an idea as to the pace of what's to follow. "Takumi" (Hitoshi Omika) is cutting logs for firewood, then he is seen laboriously ladling water into plastic bottles. His is a naturally structured exist...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/evil-does-not-exist-bfi-london-film-festival-review-technically-brilliant-yet-unimpactful/ "Evil Does Not Exist is a disappointing slow-burn that fails to offer a fitting, impactful, comp...