A funny thing happened when I saw “Evil Doesn’t Exist” in theaters last year. When the credits began to roll, no one moved. Generally, on a crowded movie screen, the moment the movie ends, there is a rush to the exit. However, in this case, it was as if the entire cinema stopped to catch our breath and the movie we had just seen.
This acclaimed drama from “Drive My Car” director Ryusuke Hamaguchi is an extremely thoughtful film. Not only is it a dramatic movie that will keep you glued to the screen for the entire runtime, it’s also a rare feature that will make you think about what you just watched long after the credits have rolled, and might even motivate you to make some adjustments in your own life.
Perhaps not surprisingly, this Japanese drama didn’t get the attention it deserved in theaters and was overshadowed by popcorn blockbusters and major studio releases. However, earlier this week (August 20) it was made available on premium streaming platforms by adding Prime Video, and this will allow the film to reach a wider audience.
If you’re looking for something a little more thoughtful, with a strong focus on realistic characters and stunning cinematography, here’s why “Evil Doesn’t Exist” is a movie worth watching this week. . .
“There Is No Evil” is set in the charming Japanese mountain village of Mizubiki and follows Takumi (Hitoshi Omika), who lives an undeniable life with his young daughter while spending his days doing odd jobs for other people in the local community.
When the citizens of the village are informed that a giant corporation is planning to build a glamping site nearby, the network cares deeply about the effect this will have on their way of life, as well as the environmental devastation that tourists will bring.
Takumi expresses his frustration to corporate representatives Takahashi (Ryuji Kosaka) and Mayuzumi (Ayaka Shiyetani), but the executives plan to continue with the plans regardless of those concerns, which will have unintended consequences for those involved.
Obviously I’m not the only one who was seriously inspired by “Evil Does Not Exist. ” The film has an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is enough to earn the coveted “Certified Fresh” seal of approval. Its audience score of 82% is also notable.
Odie Henderson of the Boston Globe said: “I had no idea where Hamaguchi’s warning was taking me, but I remained intrigued until the end. “Barry Hertz of the Globe and Mail was even more impressed, stating that “[There is no evil] is an instant masterpiece worthy of intense debate in which every aspect will have a valid argument. “»
Another incredibly positive article came from Nick Schager of The Daily Beast. They called “Evil Does Not Exist” a “masterful film” and argued that it “invites contemplation and, in return, delivers lyrical beauty, haunting mystery and more than a little horror. “
Not all critics were so fascinated with Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s new project. Its deliberately slow speed alienated some viewers like the Wall Street Journal’s Kyle Smith.
“Enjoying long, patient scenes where he chops wood or fills boxes with water from a stream, he shines with appreciation for living off the grid in a different and hectic time. However, a film deserves to be more than just an environment,” Smith said in a more blended review.
I think I deserve to warn all potential viewers that “There is no evil” is a very slow process. In some ways, it’s almost more of a work of temperament than a traditional film (although that’s not to say it’s the overall narrative rarely very captivating when it’s in focus). If you’re looking for thrills or adrenaline-pumping scenarios, this movie isn’t for you.
However, if you can’t imagine a slower-paced drama and can appreciate some surely surprising shots of rural Japan (seriously, this movie made me want to live in the Japanese forests!), then look for a few. There’s a lot to like about this movie. “Evil does not exist. ” Its considerate nature made me think about my own technique with the environment until the end.
If you’re not sure if “Evil Doesn’t Exist” is for you, or you just need to get more viewing recommendations, be sure to check out this mystery that was also aired this month, along with our roundup of the best ones. Old videos that just came to Prime Video.
Buy or rent “There’s No Evil” on Amazon now
Rory is the entertainment editor of Tom’s Guide, founded in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide diversity of topics but focuses especially on gaming and streaming. When you’re not checking out the newest games, looking for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing engaging versions of new material from games, TV shows, and movies, you can be discovered attending music festivals and getting too emotionally involved in your favorite football team.
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