A curious thing happened when I saw “There Is No Evil” in theaters earlier this year. When the credits started rolling, no one moved. Usually, in a crowded theater, the second the movie ends, you rush to the exit, but in this case, it was as if the entire theater stopped to catch its breath and think about the movie we had just seen.
This acclaimed drama from “Drive My Car” director Ryusuke Hamaguchi is an extraordinarily thoughtful film. Not only is it a drama that will keep you glued to the screen for its entire runtime, it’s also a rare film that will have you thinking about what you’ve just seen long after the credits have finished rolling, and it might even inspire you to consider some changes in your own life.
Unsurprisingly, this Japanese drama didn't get the attention it deserved in theaters and was overshadowed by blockbusters and major studio releases. However, earlier this week (August 20), it was made available on premium streaming platforms, including Prime Video, and hopefully this will help the film reach a wider audience.
If you're looking for something a little more thoughtful, with an emphasis on realistic characters and stunning cinematography, here's why “There's No Evil” is a movie worth watching this week…
What is “There is no such thing as evil” about?
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“There Is No Evil” is set in the beautiful Japanese mountain village of Mizubiki and follows Takumi (Hitoshi Omika), who lives a simple life with his young daughter while spending his days doing odd jobs for people in the local community.
When the villagers learn that a large property developer is planning to build a glamping site nearby, the community is deeply concerned about the impact it will have on their way of life, as well as the environmental devastation the tourists will bring.
Takumi expresses his frustration to company representatives Takahashi (Ryuji Kosaka) and Mayuzumi (Ayaka Shibutani), but the executives plan to continue with the plans despite these concerns, leading to unforeseen consequences for everyone involved.
“There Is No Evil” Reviews — Critics Love This Movie
I'm clearly not the only one who was seriously impressed by “There Is No Evil.” The film scores an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes which earned it the coveted “Certified Fresh” label. Its audience rating is equally remarkable, at 82%.
Odie Henderson of the Boston Globe “I had no idea where Hamaguchi’s cautionary tale was taking me, but I remained intrigued until the end.” Barry Hertz of Globe and Mail was even more impressed, stating, “[Evil Does Not Exist] is an instant masterpiece worthy of an intense debate in which each side will have a valid point of view.
Another extremely positive article came from The Daily BeastNick Schager of The Hollywood Reporter called “There Is No Evil” a “masterful film” and said it “invites contemplation and, in return, offers lyrical beauty, haunting mystery and more than a little unexpected terror.”
Not all critics have been as enthusiastic about Ryusuke Hamaguchi's latest project. Its intentionally slow pace has alienated some viewers like Kyle Smith of Wall Street Journal.
“The film, which revels in long, patient scenes of chopping wood or filling containers with stream water, radiates an appreciation for off-grid living in an otherwise turbulent era. But a movie should be more than mood,” Smith said in a more mixed review.
You Must Watch “There Is No Evil” Right Now
I feel I should warn potential viewers that “There Is No Evil” is a very slow-moving film. In some ways, it's almost more of a mood film than a conventional film (though that's not to say that its overall narrative isn't still gripping when it takes over). If you're looking for thrills or adrenaline-pumping scenes, this really isn't the film for you.
However, if you don't mind a slower-paced drama and can appreciate some absolutely stunning images of rural Japan (seriously, this movie made me want to move to the Japanese woods!), then you'll find something to enjoy in “There Is No Evil.” Its thoughtful nature made me think about my own approach to the environment by the end.
If you're not sure if “There Is No Evil” is for you, or you just want even more viewing recommendations, be sure to check out this overlooked thriller that also arrived on streaming this month, alongside our roundup of the best classic movies that just came out on Prime Video.
Buy or rent “Evil Does Not Exist” on Amazon NOW