Hajimari mo owari mo nai

In a fictional South American country undergoing rapid development, a young Japanese man, Koji, arrives to join his father, who works on a large construction project. Koji finds himself navigating a complex social landscape, dealing with local customs, and facing the ethical implications of the foreign intervention. The film explores themes of cultural displacement, economic disparity, and the search for identity amidst modernization.

Hajimari mo owari mo nai received critical acclaim for its immersive storytelling and thoughtful exploration of contemporary issues. Critics lauded its unique visual style and its ability to portray complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. The film was particularly praised for its authentic portrayal of a fictionalized South American setting and its examination of globalization's impact on local cultures.

• Praised for its ambitious scope and visual poetry.
• Applauded for its sensitive portrayal of cultural clash and identity.
• Noted for its slow-burn narrative that rewards patient viewers.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this film on Google is not readily available.

Screened at the Venice Film Festival (Orizzonti), awarded the NETPAC Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film was shot on location in Bolivia, with director Katsuya Tomita drawing inspiration from his own experiences living in South America.