Ryuosuke Hamaguchi's film, 'All Of A Sudden', is a profound exploration of friendship and the human condition, set against the backdrop of a nursing home and an avant-garde play. The film's strength lies in its ability to weave together complex themes with a delicate touch, creating a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience. What makes this film particularly captivating is Hamaguchi's unique approach to storytelling, which blends personal and social commentary with a focus on the relationship between Mari and Marie-Lou.
The film introduces us to two remarkable women: Mari Morisaki, an avant-garde theatre director, and Marie-Lou Fontaine, the director of a nursing home in Paris. Their paths cross when Marie-Lou encounters a boy with severe autism, Tomoki, and his grandfather, Goro, who is Mari's only actor in her one-man play. This chance meeting sparks an unexpected and profound friendship between the two women.
What makes their relationship so compelling is the stark contrast between their backgrounds and personalities. Mari, with her philosophical leanings and Parisian upbringing, and Marie-Lou, with her anthropological studies in Japan and her dedication to humanizing elderly care, bring a unique dynamic to their friendship. Their conversations, which range from the democratic ideal to the demands of capitalism, are filled with a sage-like wisdom, as they carefully consider and appreciate each other's contributions.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is Hamaguchi's direction and screenplay. The screenplay, co-written with Léa Le Dimna, is a masterpiece of insight and discernment, drawing out the selflessness and devotion of the two main characters. The direction, with its fluid camera movements and carefully crafted sequences, adds a layer of depth to the story, making it more like a philosophical text than a typical script.
A notable sequence in the film is the one where the Mari(e)s walk down an infinite staircase, with the camera twisting back toward them to capture the banal act as if it were a heavenly experience. This sequence, along with the serene cross-generational massage scene, is heightened by the narrative context and the immaculately hushed sound design, creating a powerful contrast between the mundane and the profound.
Despite being a clear frontrunner for the Palme d'Or at Cannes, Hamaguchi has yet to win the prestigious award. This raises a deeper question about the nature of success and recognition in cinema. As Mari tells Marie-Lou, the impossible is not possible until we discover the path from the former to the latter. Hamaguchi's films, including 'All Of A Sudden', may have found their path, offering a unique and profound perspective on the human experience.
In conclusion, 'All Of A Sudden' is a must-watch film for anyone seeking a deep and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It is a testament to the power of friendship and the human condition, and a reminder of the beauty and complexity of life's relationships.
