Life imitates art, and art imitates life. The 2021 Japanese film Drive My Car was a movie about many things, from the power of a story, to loss and grief and regret, and finding the courage to accept the past and move on, so that you can continue living your life and sharing your story.
At three hours in length, this film is a surprising breeze to sit through. So much of the film consists of actors just sitting around talking and telling stories, and yet it's so compelling to watch, and the language so clear that they're able to paint a vivid image in your head. It might be a story from their personal life, or something that they've made up, which might perhaps hold some inspiration from their personal experiences. It's a true testament to the acting and direction on display that they were able to relay these stories in such a manner that is both minimalist and yet absolutely enrapturing.
The film also incorporates the use of multiple languages throughout, including Japanese, English, Mandarin, and even sign language, weaving them all together so seamlessly. It tells a tale that's universal to grasp, and I feel this interweaving of languages helps to emphasize that point. Throughout the story, we see as the characters are rehearsing for a play, and the more they connect with the material, the more they're able to feel its power and truly connect with one another, despite the barriers between them. And I think that's the core of what this film strives to achieve, is to really drive home the power that a story can hold over us to not just relate with it, but to find a lost sense of humanity within ourselves, and bring it to the light.
From the page to the screen, this was a simply gorgeous film to watch, and it's one that I certainly felt touched by. A technical marvel as well as a stunning work of literature all its own, watching this movie felt like watching poetry in motion, and is one that has left me reflecting on a deeper level since experiencing it. I was reminded of the movie Clouds of Sils Maria while watching this, which touches on similar subject matter as it concerns the fruition of creating art and sharing it with the world, and this is definitely a movie that I feel is worth sharing with others.
