Green Peacemakers! Audio Film Review ‘Evil Does Not Exist’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 12, 2024 - 11:45am

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Rating: 5.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the “Evil Does Not Exist,” the latest film from Japanese writer/director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, whose “Drive My Car” won Best International Film at the 2022 Oscars. In select theaters since May 10, 2024. See local listings

The film involves a Japanese village within driving distance of Tokyo, pristine in its state of nature and populated by indigenous villagers for several generations. A developer from Tokyo intends to build a “glamping” site … short for luxurious “glamour camping” … to exploit the area’s nature for vacationers. When a meeting is held with the villagers regarding the build-out, there is a questioning to representatives Takahashi (Ryuji Osaka) and Mayuzumi (Ayaka Shibutani) regarding legitimate environmental concerns, especially from Takumi (Hitoshi Omika) the village leader and widower father of daughter Hana (Ryo Nishikawa). When the Tokyo developers ignore the rep’s report, and demand that they alter the villager’s attitudes, at the same time Takumi’s daughter goes missing, and the village pitches in to find her.

Evil Does Not Exist
Photo credit: Sideshow

Audio Film Review of “Evil Does Not Exist” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

“Evil Does Not Exist” is in select theaters since May 10th, including Chicago’s (click) Landmark Century Centre Cinema. Featuring ARyuji Osaka, Ayaka Shibutani, Hitoshi Omika and Ryo Nishikawa. Written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Not Rated.