This week's film recommendation is Drive My Car (2021) by Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi. A director who has become a household name within film circles thanks partly to 2021's Drive My Car. It is a beautiful, emotionally deep film about love, loss, friendship, and purpose—winner of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay. We follow Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), an actor and screenwriter hired to direct his play in a different city. The company that hires him requires that all their employees have a driver, which is where our other main character, Misaki (Tôko Miura), comes in.

Hamaguchi's unique storytelling techniques in Drive My Car, such as the ongoing rehearsals and the symbolic use of Kafuku's red Saab 900, create a rich narrative that mirrors the characters' emotional struggles. The film’s stunning cinematography, layered with emotional intricacies, elevates the storytelling. The pacing of the movie may appear deliberate, but it serves to immerse the audience in the profound emotional journeys of the characters. With its three-hour runtime, Drive My Car is a cinematic experience that rewards patience with its depth and beauty.

This poignant exploration of human relationships and personal loss is both deeply introspective and universally relatable. For those who appreciate slow-burn storytelling with a focus on character development, this is a must-watch.

Stream Drive My Car on Apple TV, or Amazon Prime.

This is an excerpt from our July 25, 2024 newsletter. Love this recommendation? Discover more by subscribing to our newsletter here!