Review: Soudain - A Cinematic Triumph
Avec Soudain, le réalisateur japonais Ryūsuke Hamaguchi signe son film le plus abouti, un film dans lequel il fait bon usage des qualités qu'on lui connaissait déjà tout en ayant éliminé le défaut important qu'on retrouvait dans la plupart de ses films précédents.
France, Japan, Germany, Belgium: 2026
Original Title: –
Directed by: Ryūsuke Hamaguchi
Screenplay: Ryūsuke Hamaguchi, Léa Le Dimna, inspired by a correspondence between philosopher Maoko Miyano and anthropologist Maho Isono
Cast: Virginie Efira, Tao Okamoto, Kodai Kurosaki
Distribution: Diaphana Distribution
Duration: 3h16
Genre: Drama
Release Date: August 12, 2026
4/5
Ryūsuke Hamaguchi is a filmmaker whose works have garnered significant critical acclaim, though opinions on his merit can vary. At 47 years old, Hamaguchi made his directorial debut with Like Nothing Happened in 2003, a project filmed in 8 mm as part of his studies. His first major festival appearance came in 2008 with Passion at the San Sebastián festival. It wasn't until 2015 that Senses, a five-part film totaling over five hours, was released in France, leading to a surge in both critical and audience recognition. This success likely contributed to the official selection of Asako I & II in the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Hamaguchi has since established himself as a prominent director, with notable works showcased at Berlin (Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, 2021, Jury Prize), Cannes (Drive My Car, 2021, Best Screenplay), and Venice (Evil Does Not Exist, 2023, Grand Jury Prize). His latest film, Soudain, made a splash at this year's Cannes, where Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto shared the Best Actress award.
Synopsis: Marie-Lou, the director of a nursing home, strives to implement a care philosophy centered on listening and dignity for residents, despite resistance from some staff members. Her encounter with Mari, a Japanese director battling cancer, profoundly alters her path. Together, they forge a deep friendship and embark on a journey to make the impossible possible.
A Convergence of Humanity and Anti-Psychiatry
The film opens with a young Japanese boy lost in a Parisian park, where Marie-Lou, the nursing home director, finds him. Unbeknownst to her, the boy is autistic. Noticing he has a GPS tracker, she decides to wait with him until his parents arrive. This moment leads to her meeting Mari, a Japanese theater director staging a play in Paris with the boy's grandfather in the lead role. The two women quickly discover shared motivations to
