How a Japanese drama about grief became a global cinematic landmark
In short: Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car transformed a Haruki Murakami short story into a meditative exploration of loss and healing. Beyond its critical acclaim, the film made history as the first Japanese production to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, redefining the reach of international cinema in the 2020s.
Adapted from Haruki Murakami’s 2014 collection Men Without Women, the film follows Yūsuke Kafuku, a theatre director mourning his wife, Oto. While directing a multilingual production of Uncle Vanya in Hiroshima, he is forced to confront his own suppressed grief through his relationship with his reserved driver, Misaki Watari. Their shared journey, marked by the backdrop of Yūsuke’s red Saab 900 Turbo, serves as a vessel for exploring the necessity of healing after profound loss.
The production process was as intricate as the narrative. Originally intended for Busan, the setting shifted to Hiroshima due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi and co-writer Takamasa Oe expanded significantly on Murakami’s original dynamic, weaving in elements from other stories like Scheherazade and Kino. The film’s score, composed by Eiko Ishibashi, was noted for its ability to mirror the film’s glacial profundity, providing an organic, contemplative atmosphere that avoids drowning the viewer in sentimentality.
The film’s reception was historic. It won Best Screenplay at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. It achieved a rare feat by winning Best Picture from the three major U.S. critics groups—LAFCA, NYFCC, and NSFC—a milestone previously reached by only six other films. With a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has been widely cited as one of the best films of the 21st century, praised for its patient, engrossing drama and its timeless examination of the human condition.
The film’s financial performance also saw a notable surge following its Oscar nominations. By March 20, 2022, it had grossed $2.1 million in the U.S., a 122% increase from its standing on February 8. Ultimately, the film’s success lies in its ability to make audiences find meaning in a heartbreaking story, proving that the experience of watching characters navigate their suffering can be an extraordinary, rewarding endeavor.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Drive My Car (film)
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