Berwick Film Society: Evil Does Not Exist (Aku wa sonzai shinai)

Takumi and his young daughter Hana live in a tranquil village not far from Tokyo. Like generations before them, they live a modest life according to the cycles of nature.

One day, the village inhabitants are presented with a plan to build a glamping site near to Takumi’s house; city dwellers will be offered a luxury ‘escape’ into nature.

When two company representatives from Tokyo arrive to meet with residents, it becomes clear that the project will endanger local wildlife and natural resources and ruin the peace. Adjustments are offered, but the company’s self-interest is evident.  

Still waters run deep and quiet man Takumi may not be quite as constrained as he appears. 

Japan, Spain 2023 | Dir Ryȗsuke Hamaguchi

Cast: Hitoshi Omika, Ryô Nishikawa 

Language: Japanese (English subtitles) 

Awards: 11 wins, 15 nominations