Evil Does Not Exist

Single father Takumi lives with his eight-year-old daughter Hana in a small village. The residents cherish nature and use spring water, so when plans to build a grand glamping site nearby arise, it causes concern among the locals.

"The Shintoism that deifies nature does not tolerate interference with the existing order. According to the glamping project, it should spread out right on the deer trail, which is dangerous for both tourists and animals. 'Where will the deer go?' Takumi asks. 'They will find another place,' the agent responds indifferently.

Emptiness in Japanese culture is elevated to an aesthetic principle. The same principle works in Hamaguchi's cinema: the melody abruptly stops, emphasizing the pause and giving it meaning. Stoppage is a crucial condition. By pausing, one can protect oneself from disaster. And also, feel all the beauty of a frozen moment." Olesya Novikova, "Seans" magazine.