Evil Does Not Exist

"Balance is key." This was a beautifully shot, visually stunning and precise message about the dangers of unfettered industry on the environment, nature and local communities. Simultaneously, it is also a story about growth, desiring more in life and human nature's balance with mother nature. It is spectacularly well done in all aspects. Much of the movie is silent, as we watch characters do their tasks or walk through nature. And when there is talk, it is either short or personal to that character. Do not come into this like I did, expecting high-end stakes or an elaborate story with intertwining plotlines - it has a premise and it excels in it. I implore people to watch with no apprehensions, and be sucked into the idyllic world that Hamaguchi paints through long, drawn-out one shots of people cutting wood or walking through the beautiful winter forest. It is slow but enticing. The overall story is quite enjoyable too, a town in the Japanese countryside is told to expect a new industrial camping development that runs the risk of polluting their water sources. The two main individuals tasked with proposing the development to the town (Takahashi + Mayazumi), upon being steamrolled by the locals and realising their initial ignorance seek the guidance and help of Takumi, a father and handyman who helps around the entire town. Throughout the movie, both Takahashi and Mayazumi begin to see flaws in their corporate bosses' plans and begin to appreciate the nature of the town, and desire a more quiet peaceful life outside of Tokoyo. Yet when Takumi's daughter suddenly goes missing, does it all fall apart? There's more, inevitably. But the premise is beautiful and extremely encapuslating and by the end I was gobsmacked at the messaging and physical story telling of it. It is a stand-out story.