Presented at Cannes in 1993 in the Un Certain Regard section, Déménagement remained unreleased in France and did not attract much attention in Japan. However, the reputation of this drama, directed by the late Shinji Somai, continues to grow among moviegoers.
It was digitized and restored in 2023 by Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation under the supervision of its cinematographer Toyomichi Kurita, and then presented at the Venice Film Festival as a world premiere last September.
First released in French cinemas on October 25th, Déménagement has an impressive press average of 4.6/5 (out of 12 reviews, on AlloCiné). It’s the second best film of the year, behind the undefeated The Fabelmans (4.9/5).
What are you doing?
Rennie is a young girl whose parents have recently separated. Her father is moving and she has to adapt to this new life that the adults are looking for. Rebelling against a world of grown-ups who she questions, she must learn to grow and reconcile with them on a journey that takes her to the limits of reality.
What does the press think?
According to Culturopoing.com:
With its sad beauty and still virtuosic simplicity of direction, Shinji Somai’s film resembles the beginnings of the best modern Japanese cinema. Therefore, movement without redundancy can be considered the main work. (Michael Delavo) 5/5
According to Le Monde:
“Somai’s camera is itself obsessed with the movement of his characters. His penchant for long takes, staged sequence shots, where the actors can act in one take and take up the entire space of the frame’s adventures. .” (Mam. Mt.) 5/5
According to Les Fiches du Cinéma:
“This marvel of staging and sensibility has not gone unnoticed. We can bet that today this film, where sadness, tenderness and vitality are captured in each scene, will no longer leave you indifferent.” (Michael Genami) 5/5
According to Les Inrockuptibles:
A true revelation, ‘Moving’, both brutal and mysterious, fits effortlessly into the cohort of great childhood films. 5/5
10 movies to see in the cinema on October 25: maximum 3 days, second round…
According to Liberation:
“A 1993 film that remained unreleased in France, this coming-of-age story of a young girl in the midst of divorce is the late revelation of a masterpiece by Japanese filmmaker Shinji Somai, who died in 2001.” (Luke Chesel) 4/5
According to Critikat.com:
“Beyond the bravura parts, the film shines above all in its unexpected documentary forays, the beauty of which paradoxically enhances the dreamlike side of the whole.” (Thomas Grignon) 4/5
According to the Prime Minister:
“The camera movements capture the creatures without stifling them. In the final part, in the vast abyss of the gaze, the film is truly about the sublime. It’s time to discover Shinji Somai.” (Thomas Baura) 4/5
According to Télérama:
“In revealing the dysfunction of the family, the frustration of each person, the difficult place for the child to find – we understand why the author of the family affair loves Shinji Somai so much – the film remains talking and alive, despite the sadness, alien to everyone. Pathos.” (Jacques Morris) 4/5
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
