DRIVE MY CAR - Trailer

Two years after his wife’s unexpected death, Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a renowned stage actor and director, receives an offer to direct a production of Uncle Vanya at a theater festival in Hiroshima. There, he meets Misaki Watari (Toko Miura), a taciturn young woman assigned by the festival to chauffeur him in his beloved red Saab 900. As the production’s premiere approaches, tensions mount amongst the cast and crew, not least between Yusuke and Koji Takatsuki, a handsome TV star who shares an unwelcome connection to Yusuke’s late wife. Forced to confront painful truths raised from his past, Yusuke begins - with the help of his driver – to face the haunting mysteries his wife left behind. Adapted from Haruki Murakami’s short story, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car is a haunting road movie traveling a path of love, loss, acceptance, and peace. Winner of three prizes at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, including Best Screenplay.

Opens November 24 at Film Forum and Film at Lincoln Center in New York and December 3 at Landmark's Nuart Theater in Los Angeles.

[ImaginarySkyfriend]

This is truly a lovely film. Everything is pitch-perfect: writing, directing, acting, cinematography, music. I hope people won't skip it because of its length--nearly three hours. Every minute of this film is worth your time. It so deserves all the kudos it has received.

[lilsoysauce]

So excited to see how they made a full length film out of one of Murakami’s best short stories

[rahulghosh]

The best part of the movie is the conversation between Kafuku and Takatsuki which takes place inside the car. Kafuku sees the reflection of her own daughter in Watari. The play rehearsal part was also too good. The movie explores the meaning of love from various angles.

[djagtkmapgm]

The original author, Murakami, said on his radio show, "I didn't feel like I had three hours. I'm very good at it. What impressed me most was the stage training, where they hit the desk every time they finished saying the lines." It was a squeaky sound. It's great that this work is appreciated. He praises it.

[Feelflowww]

This film brought me to tears. The actors were so moving and natural. I loved the cinematography.

[Sorennn]

This is not a movie
It’s a cinematic experience.Very deep and atmospheric

[mibfwye]

Drive my Car is stunning. I'm in awe of its artistry and perfection.

[rnmm-bd]

Congratulations! For being the only second Japanese Film in History to Win International Feature Oscar. You have made it :)

[JS-yjow]

I have to admit, being a c900 owner myself, that’s first why I searched for this trailer. Watching and reading the description that the Saab is a character in the film only guarantees that I’ll watch what looks to be a good movie.

[Watertrashsfc]

The fact that this movie was immediately distributed by Janus & Criterion during the film festival circuit shows how cinematically emotional and well-done it is.

[martin]

Just saw this at the Denver Film Festival. While I will say I felt the 3 hour run time, this is one of those films where I didn’t feel it had to be shortened or if the pacing was off; the pacing and momentum was deliberate and intentional, and ultimately the film was just a small beautiful drama of people trying the connect with not just themselves but the world they’re surrounded in. No contrived conflict or forced plot narrative—just people bouncing off each other trying to make sense at the abstract nature at which our world operates in.

I hope in the end this film cracks the final top 5 oscars for International Feature. It’s an amazing year for international films.

[patriciazimbres]

One of the best films I've ever watched. Gentle and beautiful and overwhelming at the same time. It did full justice to Murakami's story.

[safe-keeper]

Finally a trailer that's not just a summary of the entire plot, and that actually makes me want to watch the film.

[cinemalights]

Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Hirokazu Koreeda are two of Japan’s best directors working today and the Criterion Collection is recognizing both of them. This makes me incredibly happy.

[metamon]

This movie is very long and extremely slow paced but I was never bored while watching it.

[michaeldwatkins_]

One of the highlights of this year's London Film Festival for me. Utterly transfixed throughout. Hoping this gets a physical release with extras soon.

[brandontilghman]

One of the most poetically realized movies I've ever seen. Simply beautiful

[--AG--]

Hands down the best movie of the year, lucky enough to see it at a festival.
It might place very high in the upcoming Sight&Sound poll, a top 250 will be quite something.

[stvivianne]

Instantly became one of favorite films of all time. Thank you criterion for recognizing a living legends work. All I need is a criterion release of this one right here.

[masssa]

This is probably the most successful movie based on Haruki Murakami's novel. Even if this work makes many changes to the original. I watched this movie without reading the original. But when I finished watching the movie, I certainly felt that I had touched Haruki Murakami's work. The story moves deeper into the body and mind, not from the surface of a person or event. They travel to pick up a hope from the dark abyss that is out of reach. For what? To stay alive. If you are a fan of Haruki Murakami, I recommend you to watch it without reading the original.