A Guide to Japanese Films at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival

Japanese Films at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival

It's that time of year once more. The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has officially begun, and, as expected, I haven't managed to get to the South of France this year either. However, thanks to the internet, I can still provide a detailed guide for us Japanese film enthusiasts eager to see what Japan has in store at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Be sure to follow all the incredible and gifted individuals in Cannes who are working tirelessly to provide exclusive information, interviews, and news from the festival.

A Pale View of Hills: In Kei Ishikawa's delicate and haunting adaptation of Ishiguro's novel, the fragile threads of memory weave between the misty landscapes of 1950s Japan and the subdued tones of 1980s England. As a widow revisits her past, the lines between recollection and illusion blur, revealing secrets held captive across time. Suzu Hirose and Fumi Nikaido lead a cast that navigates this poignant exploration of loss and the elusive nature of truth. Premiering in Un Certain Regard on May 15th, this promises a journey into the heart's hidden landscapes.

On a personal note, it's surreal to witness Suzu Hirose's return to Cannes a decade after her official film debut in Hirokazu Koreeda's "Our Little Sister". "A Pale View of Hills" is certainly a film I'll be watching for this year (assuming it doesn't take more than a year to premiere for the public).

Exit 8 (Franklin Jones): A raw nerve of a horror short, Franklin Jones' vision plunges us into the desperate flight of a young woman tethered to a child, both haunted by shadows unseen. This is a visceral escape, where the terror lies not just in pursuit, but in the invisible chains of a past they cannot outrun.

Exit 8 (Genki Kawamura): Genki Kawamura's "The Exit 8," starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Yamato Kochi, hints at a different kind of claustrophobia. While details remain veiled, expect a narrative that likely traps its characters in a psychological labyrinth, forcing them to confront inescapable realities. This 2025 release promises a descent into tension and the unnerving unknown.

Kokuho: Lee Sang-il crafts a compelling saga of inheritance and artistic fire in "Kokuho," adapted from Shuichi Yoshida's novel. When young Kikuo loses his father, he finds himself drawn into the intense world of a prestigious kabuki family. Amidst the demanding traditions and simmering rivalries, particularly with a formidable heir portrayed by Ryusei Yokohama, Kikuo, played by Ryo Yoshizawa, must forge his own path under the watchful eye of the family's patriarch, brought to life by Ken Watanabe. This is a story of dedication, ambition, and the intricate dance of legacy.

Love On Trial: Koji Fukada delves into the disruptive force of the human heart in "Love On Trial." When a luminous J-Pop idol dares to breach the stringent "no romance" clause of her contract, her carefully constructed world erupts into unforeseen chaos. This drama promises a sharp look at the pressures of fame and the irrepressible nature of desire.

By now, everyone is aware of my admiration for Fukada's films. The anticipation for this movie is incredibly high right now, and I'm eager to see how it performs at the Cannes Film Festival. I'm rooting for Fukada and the entire cast and crew!

Renoir: Chie Hayakawa paints a tender portrait of burgeoning adolescence in Tokyo of the late 1980s with "Renoir." Through the innocent yet perceptive eyes of young Fuki, played by Yui Suzuki, we witness the subtle shifts and discoveries of childhood. With Lily Franky, Hikari Ishida, and Ayumu Nakajima adding depth to the narrative, this coming-of-age story promises a nostalgic and poignant exploration of growth and the quiet moments that shape us.