They Say Nothing Stays the Same 2019
Distributed by Film Movement
Produced by Shôzô Ichiyama, Takuro Nagai, Yuusaku Nakajima, and Naoya Kinoshita
Directed by Joe Odagiri
Streaming, 137 mins
College - General Adult
Area Studies; Feature Films; Japan
Date Entered: 04/07/2022
Reviewed by Kathleen H. Flynn, Science Librarian, University at AlbanyThey Say Nothing Stays the Same is a feature film set in Meiji-era Japan. The protagonist is an aging man who lives alone next to a river and ferries villagers and visitors across it. In the beginning of the film, his small ferry is the only method, other than swimming, for people to cross the river. However, the Industrial Revolution has arrived, and a bridge is being constructed a short distance from his home and ferry.
His passengers are as striking as the film's visuals. They include farmers humorously confronted with the challenge of transporting a cow across the river with only the small ferry to work with, rude bridge construction workers who demean him to his face, a doctor, a musical band, hunters, and more. Compared to his passengers, he appears quiet and stoic. However, viewers observe his loneliness and quiet frustration with how his peaceful life is changing with society. His loneliness is especially evident when he finds a young girl floating unconscious in the river one day. As he learns of her own neglect and traumatic past, he finds himself wanting to care for her.
The film is in Japanese but includes legible English subtitles. Although it is perhaps a little too long, it is a visually stunning portrait of how progress in society can create as well as destroy. It is highly recommended for courses or collections in film studies or Japanese history. As it is 137 minutes long, it would be better suited as a course assignment rather than a film shown in class.
Awards: Winner Best Feature Film, Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival; Nominated Golden Star, El Gouna Film Festival; Nominated Uncaged Award for Best Feature Film, New York Asian Film Festival; Nominated People’s Choice Award, Pingyao International Film Festival; Official Selection, Venice Film Festival; Official Selection, Busan International Film Festival; Official Selection, Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival; Official Selection, Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
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