Review of Drive My Car (2021) by Moviemitch96 — 07 Jan 2022

Wow... I'm at a loss for words on this one, so I'll do my best. In this independent Japanese film, a stage actor and director, reeling from the sudden loss of his wife and the secrets she kept from him, finds himself in the presence and care of a young woman who becomes his personal chauffeur as he prepares to direct a production of Chekov's 'Uncle Vanya'.

Through their time spent with each other, they both begin to establish a true bond and connection with one another, and over time gradually open up to one another about their past, their regrets, and trying to simply move on in life however they can.

Adapted from a short story, I had high hopes for this film prior to walking in. My only reservation was its 3-hr runtime, not that I don't enjoy long or epic films, but if they're gonna be that long, it's a runtime that better earn every last second, and man did this film earn all of it and then some! Never in my life has 3 hours flown by so seamlessly! I truly felt like I was in a trance for the majority of this film! The characters and story told here completely drew me in, had me invested, and even brought a tear to to my eye in the third act.

The film has one of the most profound and genuine statements on suffering from loss and grief in life that I've ever seen! It highlights the importance of coping and moving on however we can with whomever we can, as well as the importance of living life and pushing forward even in the face of grief and despair.

Fantastic performances are delivered all around, and if this wasn't an international film, I'm sure the academy would feel more inclined to get this film more love, especially in the acting department, cause Hidetoshi Nishijima and Toko Miura both deserve Oscars for their work here in my book! Furthermore, the story and dialogue are so insightful, carefully thought-out, touching, and well-written.

From a screenplay perspective, it's truly one of the most thought-provoking and heartfelt ones I've seen or heard in years. By the time the credits rolled, I just sat in the theater processing everything I had just witnessed with this life-changing film.