New Trailers: Renoir (2025) by Chie Hayakawa

Renoir (2025)": A Child's Eye on Adult Struggles

Description: From Japanese filmmaker Chie Hayakawa, "Renoir (2025)" is a poignant coming-of-age drama set in 1987 Tokyo that observes the complex world of troubled adults through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl. Following her acclaimed debut "Plan 75," Hayakawa's second feature delicately explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and the power of imagination as a young girl navigates the emotional turmoil surrounding her father's illness and her mother's struggles.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30220107/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/renoir-review-1236400211/

About movie: https://goodfellas.film/movie/renoir/

Release Date on Streaming: A specific streaming release date for "Renoir (2025)" is not available. Its availability on streaming platforms will follow its theatrical releases in various territories and will depend on distribution deals.

Theatrical Release: "Renoir (2025)" had its World Premiere in Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2025. Its theatrical release in Japan is scheduled for June 20, 2025, and in France for September 17, 2025. Information about theatrical releases in other countries will be announced by international distributors.

Detailed Summary: Set in suburban Tokyo during the summer of 1987, "Renoir" centers on Fuki, an imaginative and observant 11-year-old girl. Her world is marked by the difficult reality of her father battling terminal cancer, a situation that deeply impacts her mother, Utako, who is struggling to balance her demanding job with caregiving and her own emotional distress. As Fuki's parents grapple with their challenges, including her mother's burgeoning affair, Fuki often finds herself left to her own devices, processing the adult world around her through her own unique lens. She retreats into her imagination, developing a fascination with telepathy and finding solace and understanding in fantasy. The film is an empathetic portrait of Fuki's rite of passage, showcasing her resilience and how she attempts to make sense of the unspoken tensions, grief, and moral dilemmas present in her family and society. The title "Renoir" is revealed to be inspired by a painting, hinting at the film's visual sensibility and its focus on capturing moments of beauty and complexity within human experience.

Plot Summary:

• 11-year-old Fuki lives in Tokyo in 1987 with her parents.

• Her father is terminally ill with cancer.

• Her mother is struggling to cope with the situation and has an affair.

• Fuki observes the troubled adult world around her and uses her imagination and interest in telepathy as coping mechanisms.

• The film portrays her emotional coming-of-age amidst family crisis.

The plot is a character-driven drama focusing on a child's perspective on adult struggles and grief.

Director's Vision: Chie Hayakawa, known for her insightful exploration of societal issues and her distinct visual style in "Plan 75" and her short films, directs and wrote the screenplay for "Renoir." Described as semi-autobiographical, the film reflects Hayakawa's interest in observing the world through a child's eyes and exploring how young individuals process complex emotional landscapes. Her vision is to weave an "infinitely delicate work" that contrasts with more modern, flashy cinematic approaches. She aims to create a subtle and progressive portrait of grief and the different ways people, particularly a child, try to cope with loss and emotional turmoil. Inspired by a specific Renoir painting, Hayakawa likely infuses the film with a particular aesthetic sensibility. She seeks to give identity and complexity not only to the young protagonist but also to the adults around her, offering a nuanced look at their struggles through Fuki's observations.

Themes:

• Coming-of-Age: The film centers on Fuki's emotional and psychological development as she navigates a challenging period in her life.

• Grief and Loss: The impending death of Fuki's father and the family's way of processing grief are central themes.

• Family Dynamics and Dysfunction: The film explores the tensions, unspoken emotions, and coping mechanisms within the family unit.

• The Power of Imagination and Fantasy: Fuki's retreat into her imaginative world serves as a crucial coping mechanism and a way for her to make sense of reality.

• Observing the Adult World: The film highlights how children perceive and react to the complexities and struggles of adults.

• Resilience: Fuki's ability to navigate difficult circumstances demonstrates the resilience of childhood.

• Moral Dilemmas: The film touches upon the ethical challenges and choices faced by the adult characters.

Key Success Factors:

• Director's Growing Reputation: Following the international success of "Plan 75," there is anticipation for Hayakawa's second feature.

• Empathetic Portrayal of Childhood: The film is praised for its sensitive and insightful depiction of a child's perspective on difficult events.

• Strong Visual Style and Cinematography: Early reviews highlight the film's aesthetic qualities.

• Talented Cast: The performances of both the young lead and the experienced adult actors are noted positively.

• Prestigious Festival Premiere: Being selected for the Main Competition at Cannes places the film in a prominent global spotlight.

• Relatable Universal Themes: Despite the specific cultural setting, the film explores universal experiences of family, grief, and growing up.

Summary Short: Chie Hayakawa's "Renoir (2025)" is a Japanese coming-of-age drama that premiered in Competition at Cannes 2025, following an 11-year-old girl in 1987 Tokyo as she observes her family's struggles with illness, grief, and adult complexities, finding solace in her imagination.

Awards and Nominations: "Renoir (2025)" had its World Premiere in Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025. This prestigious selection means the film is competing for the Palme d'Or, the highest prize at the festival, as well as other awards in the main competition (Grand Prix, Jury Prize, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay). Specific award wins from Cannes are yet to be announced as of May 17, 2025. The film's inclusion in the main competition is a major recognition of Chie Hayakawa's work and the film's artistic merit.

Critics Reception: Critical reception for "Renoir (2025)" following its Cannes premiere appears to be somewhat mixed but generally leaning positive. Critics appreciate its sensitive portrayal of childhood and its aesthetic qualities, though some find it less impactful than Hayakawa's previous work.

• South China Morning Post: Describes "Renoir" as an "empathetic portrait of a child's rite of passage in a society beset by very real moral dilemmas," highlighting its setting in 1980s Japan and focus on a schoolgirl whose father is dying.

• International Cinephile Society: Calls it a "quiet melodrama" that recalls the work of masters like Hirokazu Koreeda. While finding it engaging and praising the lead performance, the review suggests the film is "too fragmented and too much a reflection via its central character on the lives of those around her to survive a more thorough examination completely unscathed," and that it "comes up short in delivering an emotional punch." However, it notes Hayakawa's "formal chops are firmly in place" with excellent cinematography.

• Cineuropa: Weaves an "infinitely delicate work on childhood's look at the tortured world of adults." It praises the film's aerial and delicate style, contrasting with modern practices, and sees it as confirming Hayakawa's potential. The review highlights the subtle portrait of grief and different coping mechanisms, calling it "charming, soothing, intelligent and mesmerising."

• Screendaily: Describes it as a film that "benefits from a little time and distance, allowing all the disparate fragments to settle into place." It calls it "poetic without feeling diaphanous and insubstantial, a sharp-edged, cutting examination of the emotional discord of grief and guilt."

• Collider: In a more explicitly positive review, calls it a "Vibrant Coming-of-Age Story" and highlights its exploration of the imaginative world of 11-year-old Fuki in suburban Tokyo in 1987.

Overall Critics Reception: "Renoir" is recognized for its sensitive portrayal of a child's perspective on difficult adult issues and its visually delicate style. While some critics feel the narrative might be fragmented or lack the emotional intensity of "Plan 75," there is general appreciation for Hayakawa's directorial skill, the film's atmosphere, and key performances, particularly the adult cast and potentially the young lead. Its selection for Cannes Competition signifies its high artistic standing.

Reviews: Detailed reviews from Cannes are providing in-depth analysis of the film's various aspects.

• Key Praises: Reviews consistently praise Chie Hayakawa's delicate and visually sensitive direction. The cinematography by Hideho Urata is frequently highlighted as excellent. The performances of the adult cast, including Lily Franky and Hikari Ishida, are generally well-regarded for bringing emotional weight to the film. The film's ability to capture the internal world and coping mechanisms of the young protagonist, Fuki (Yui Suzuki), through imagination and observation is appreciated. The subtle exploration of grief and family dynamics is also seen as a strength.

• Points of Criticism: Some reviewers have noted that the narrative can feel fragmented or episodic, potentially hindering the emotional impact or the full development of the young protagonist's journey. The film's quiet and understated nature, while praised by some, may be perceived by others as lacking a stronger emotional punch compared to Hayakawa's previous work.

Overall Reviews: The available reviews suggest that "Renoir" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally subtle film that excels in its visual style and sensitive portrayal of childhood. While there may be differing opinions on its narrative structure and overall emotional force, it is clearly a film that has resonated with critics on an artistic level and is a significant work from a director to watch.

Production: "Renoir (2025)" is a multinational co-production involving Japan, France, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines. The film was directed and written by Chie Hayakawa. Producers include Fran Borgia, Christophe Bruncher, Jason Gray, Eiko Mizuno Gray, and Olivier Père, with Alemberg Ang and Iana Bernardez also credited as co-producers for the Philippine unit. Production companies involved are Loaded Films, Arte France Cinéma, Ici et Là Productions, Akanga Film Asia, Nathan Studios, KawanKawan Media, and Daluyong Studios. The cast is led by newcomer Yui Suzuki as Fuki, alongside experienced actors like Hikari Ishida and Lily Franky. Hideho Urata was the cinematographer, and Rémi Boubal composed the music. The film was shot in Tokyo between July and September 2024.

Production Companies:

• Loaded Films (Japan)

• Arte France Cinéma (France)

• Ici et Là Productions (France)

• Akanga Film Asia (Singapore)

• Nathan Studios (Philippines)

• KawanKawan Media (Indonesia)

• Daluyong Studios (Philippines)

Sales Companies:

• Goodfellas (International) - Handles international sales for the film.

Distribution Companies:

• Happinet Phantom Studios (Japan) - Distributing in Japan.

• Eurozoom (France) - Distributing in France.

• Distribution in other territories will be handled by companies that acquire the rights from Goodfellas.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• From the Director of "Plan 75": See the highly anticipated second feature from the acclaimed Chie Hayakawa.

• Beautifully Crafted and Visually Rich: The film is praised for its delicate style and cinematography.

• Empathetic Portrayal of Childhood: Offers a sensitive and insightful look at the world through a child's eyes.

• Prestigious Festival Recognition: Premiering in Competition at Cannes is a major indicator of artistic quality.

• Exploration of Universal Themes: Addresses relatable experiences of family, grief, and growing up.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If You Appreciate Art-House and World Cinema: Experience a critically recognized co-production with a distinct artistic vision.

• Interested in Films About Family Dynamics and Grief: Gain insight into how a family copes with difficult circumstances.

• For Films with Strong Visuals and Atmosphere: Enjoy a film noted for its aesthetic qualities.

• To See a Promising Director's Latest Work: Follow the career of Chie Hayakawa after "Plan 75."

• Interested in Stories About the Power of Imagination: See how fantasy helps a child navigate reality.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Coming-of-Age Dramas with Social/Emotional Depth / Films Exploring Grief and Family Through a Child's Perspective / Multinational Co-productions: The film aligns with the trend of coming-of-age stories that delve into complex emotional and social issues. Its focus on a child's viewpoint to explore adult problems and grief is a notable approach. The film also represents the increasing prevalence of multinational co-productions in world cinema.

What Big Social Trend is Following: Increased Openness in Discussing Grief and Family Challenges: The film contributes to a broader societal trend of being more open in discussing difficult topics like terminal illness, grief, and family dysfunction, moving away from past stigmas and encouraging empathy and understanding.

Final Verdict: "Renoir (2025)" is a beautifully observed and emotionally resonant drama from Chie Hayakawa that confirms her talent as a filmmaker capable of exploring complex human experiences with sensitivity and artistic grace. Through the innocent yet perceptive eyes of its young protagonist, Fuki, the film offers a delicate and moving portrait of a family grappling with illness and grief, set against the backdrop of 1980s Tokyo. While some critics may find its narrative structure fragmented, the film's visual poetry, strong performances, and empathetic portrayal of childhood resilience are undeniable strengths. Its selection for the Main Competition at the Cannes Film Festival is a significant testament to its artistic merit and makes it a highly anticipated film in the realm of world cinema. "Renoir" is a compelling watch for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling, beautiful visuals, and films that offer insightful glimpses into the complexities of life and family.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Find Unique Perspectives to Tell Familiar Stories: Telling a story about family and grief through a child's viewpoint offers a fresh and impactful approach.

• Utilize Visuals and Atmosphere to Convey Emotion: Employing strong cinematography and creating a specific mood can enhance the emotional depth of a drama.

• Focus on Subtle Character Portrayals: Allowing characters, particularly children, to process emotions and observe the world in nuanced ways can be very powerful.

• Embrace International Co-productions: Collaborating with filmmakers and production companies from different countries can enrich a film and broaden its potential reach.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Directors with Distinct Artistic Voices: Champion filmmakers like Chie Hayakawa who have a clear vision and a consistent approach to exploring meaningful themes.

• Invest in and Distribute World Cinema: Provide platforms for critically acclaimed films from diverse countries and cultures.

• Recognize the Value of Films Exploring Complex Family Dynamics: Support movies that offer insightful and authentic portrayals of family life, including its challenges.

• Highlight Films with Strong Visual and Technical Craft: Promote films that demonstrate excellence in cinematography, production design, and other technical areas that contribute to the overall artistic quality.