Drive My Car 2021

The cinematic journey begins with Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a multifaceted stage director and actor, sharing a tender moment with his wife Oto (Reika Kirishima). As they bask in the afterglow of passion, Oto unleashes her creative fervor, regaling Yusuke with the intricacies of an ingenious play idea. The air is filled with the promise of artistic collaboration and domestic harmony.

As rehearsals for their next production, “Waiting For Godot”, come to a close, Oto introduces Yusuke to Koji Takatsuki (Masaki Okada), a devoted fan of his work. This chance encounter sets the stage for the tumultuous events that are about to unfold.

Yusuke’s departure for a new play is met with a sudden twist: his flight is cancelled, leaving him grounded and grappling with the uncertainty of life. Upon returning home, he is confronted with a harsh reality - Oto has been unfaithful. Rather than confronting her, Yusuke retreats into solitude, opting to feign travel over video chat as he navigates the complexities of their relationship.

As the narrative unfolds, Yusuke and Oto visit a doctor, where they receive a sobering diagnosis: Yusuke is struggling with glaucoma. Medication offers some respite, but it’s clear that the specter of mortality looms large. The couple’s grief is compounded by the loss of their daughter, and in a poignant display of vulnerability, they seek solace in each other’s arms.

Tragedy strikes when Oto passes away suddenly, leaving Yusuke shattered and reeling. His subsequent breakdown during a performance of “Uncle Vanya” serves as a cathartic release for his emotions.

Two years later, Yusuke finds himself in Hiroshima, preparing to direct a production of “Uncle Vanya”, featuring actors from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Despite initial reservations about working with a young driver, Misaki Watari (Toko Miura), he comes to appreciate her exceptional skills behind the wheel. As they embark on this new chapter together, Yusuke’s emotional scars begin to heal, and he finds solace in the process of creation.

As the casting process unfolds, Yusuke makes a series of intriguing choices, bringing on board an eclectic ensemble led by Janice Chang (Sonia Yuan), Lee Yoo-na (Park Yu-rim) - an actress who deftly weaves together spoken language and Korean sign language - and Koji. The latter’s addition to the cast is particularly noteworthy, as Yusuke opts to cast him in the role of Vanya despite his youthful appearance not quite aligning with the character’s intended age. The group’s dynamic is further shaped by the inclusion of Roy Lucelo (Perry Dizon), Kaoru Komagata (Takako Yamamura), Ryu Jeong-eui (Ahn Hwitae), Takashi Kimura (Toshiaki Inomata), and Yumi Eto (Hiroko Matsuda).

As rehearsals intensify, Koji’s character takes on a more personal dimension. He invites Yusuke to a bar, where their conversation delves into the complexities of relationships, with Koji probing about Oto and whether he has been with other women. Yusuke responds by emphasizing that there are multiple ways to approach intimacy, beyond mere physicality. This exchange is particularly telling, given Koji’s own personal struggles and professional stagnation, which have led to a recent downturn in his career.

Meanwhile, Misaki takes Yusuke and producer Kon Yoon-Su (Jin Dae-yeon) on a ride home from the set, where they’re treated to a warm dinner at the latter’s residence. The evening is marked by the presence of Lee, Kon’s wife, who shares her own connection to the play, having been drawn in by Yusuke’s involvement.

As the production progresses, Koji and Janice arrive late to rehearsals, prompting an apology from Koji to Yusuke. This minor hiccup notwithstanding, the group continues to work tirelessly, fueled by their passion for the project.

On a separate note, Misaki takes Yusuke on a detour, driving him to her former workplace where she once drove garbage trucks. As they reminisce about the past, including an accident that took the life of her mother, Yusuke opens up about his own experiences with Oto and their late daughter.

The crew’s hard work culminates in a parkside performance of the play, followed by Koji inviting Yusuke to another bar visit. This time, however, Koji’s concerns about his role in the play take center stage. As they part ways, Yusuke is confronted by a young man taking his picture, prompting him to follow the photographer back to Misaki.

The drive home becomes an opportunity for Koji to share with Yusuke a story that Oto once concocted during their intimate moments together. While Koji’s words convey a deep affection for Oto, he stops short of explicitly confirming whether they had a romantic relationship.

As the police arrive at the rehearsal space to apprehend Koji for his alleged assault on a photographer, Yusuke is left reeling from the revelation that the victim’s injuries have proven fatal. The sudden vacancy in the role of Vanya prompts one of the producers to suggest Yusuke take up the mantle, but he demurs, seeking time to process the implications of this development.

Later, as Misaki navigates the winding roads behind the wheel, Yusuke slips into the passenger seat beside her. As they drive through the quiet countryside, their conversations veer toward themes of regret and longing. Misaki’s anguish over her mother’s untimely passing is palpable, as she wrestles with the notion that she might have done something to prevent the tragedy. Meanwhile, Yusuke’s thoughts are consumed by his unresolved feelings regarding Oto’s infidelity, yearning for a chance to communicate with her before it was too late.

The emotional toll of their conversations becomes clear as Misaki drives them to the desolate site where her mother met her untimely demise. As they stand amidst the ruins of her childhood home, Yusuke’s emotions overwhelm him, and he is swept up in a cathartic display of grief. The two find solace in each other’s company, embracing one another as the weight of their shared pain becomes too much to bear.

As the curtain rises on “Uncle Vanya,” Yusuke takes on the titular role with aplomb, sharing a poignant scene with Lee that earns thunderous applause from the audience.

In the intervening weeks, Misaki has relocated to Korea, now piloting her trusty red Saab – a constant reminder of her time spent alongside Yusuke. A new chapter in her life has begun, accompanied by the quiet companionship of a loyal canine companion.