Cannes Film ‘Renoir’ Delves into a Child’s Grief in 1980s Japan

Acclaimed Japanese filmmaker **Chie Hayakawa**, whose film “Plan 75” garnered a **Camera d’Or Special Mention** at the Cannes Film Festival, returns to the **Croisette** with her competition title, **“Renoir.”** This coming-of-age drama is set against the backdrop of Japan’s economic bubble in the late 1980s, reflecting a unique period in Japanese history.

The Story of Fuki

The film centers on **Fuki**, a quirky and sensitive 11-year-old girl played by newcomer **Yui Suzuki**. As Fuki navigates a challenging summer, she deals with the emotional turmoil of having a **terminally ill father** and a **stressed-out working mother**. The film’s cast includes **Hikari Ishida** and **Lily Franky**, who play pivotal roles in this touching narrative.

Drawing from Personal Experience

“Renoir” is deeply rooted in Hayakawa’s own experiences of losing her father as a child. Reflecting on her journey, Hayakawa mentions, “I’ve been thinking to make this story since I was a teenager or in my early 20s.” She recognizes that a younger perspective might have leaned towards a depiction that was “too dark,” emphasizing the growth in her storytelling approach.

A Shift in Perspective

Hayakawa believes that her current perspective as a mother provides invaluable insight. “Now I’m about the same age as my parents were at the time of the story. I also have two kids, so I have a deeper understanding of parental challenges,” she shares. This shift in perspective allows her to express greater **compassion** for her parents’ experiences.

Setting the Scene: 1987 Japan

Setting the film in **1987**, during Japan’s **economic bubble**, is intentional. “Back then, Japan’s economy was thriving, fostering immense hope for the future as Western cultures gained significant admiration,” Hayakawa explains. This environment of “consumption culture” led to a weakening of familial bonds—a theme that resonates throughout the film.

Symbolism in Art

The film features symbolic elements that reflect this cultural moment, particularly a replica of a **Western painting**—the **Renoir** of the title—acquired by Fuki’s family. “There is a scene where the family buys a fake painting, which symbolizes the emulation that Japanese people had for Western art. Despite it being fake, it embodies satisfaction,” Hayakawa articulates.

An International Collaboration

“Renoir” signifies a notable evolution in Hayakawa’s approach to **international collaboration**. In partnership with Japan’s **Loaded Films**, **Happinet Phantom Studios**, and others, she teamed up with global entities like **Singapore’s Akanga Film Asia** and **Arte France Cinema**. This collaboration optimized the use of **technical crew members** from abroad, enriching the production process. “During development, I received insights from French and Singaporean producers that improved the film,” she notes.

Cross-Cultural Learning

This **cross-cultural collaboration** provided Hayakawa with insights into different filmmaking techniques. “The French sound techniques are exceptionally high-level, providing invaluable learning opportunities for the Japanese crew,” she adds, highlighting the benefits of diverse perspectives in filmmaking.

Working with Young Talent

Filming with child actor **Yui Suzuki** posed initial challenges for Hayakawa. However, the experience turned out to be unexpectedly seamless. “This was my first time working with a child actor, and I anticipated difficulties. Yet, she performed so naturally that I hardly needed to direct her,” Hayakawa explains. Her approach centered more on physical movement than on dialogue or expressions.

The Influence of Veteran Actors

Veteran actor **Lily Franky** brought a compelling presence to the film. “He was incredible and was precisely who I envisioned for the role. His innate directorial eye allowed him to convey emotion even in silence,” Hayakawa remarks, showcasing her admiration for Franky’s talent.

Thematic Continuity in Hayakawa’s Works

With both “Plan 75” and “Renoir,” Hayakawa expresses a recurring interest in exploring themes of **isolation** and **human connections**. When asked if she is crafting a thematic trilogy, she reflects, “I am fascinated by the **solidarity of human beings**, so perhaps this theme will continue in my future works.”

Looking to the Future of Japanese Cinema

As Japanese cinema gains traction on the global stage, Hayakawa remains optimistic. “In the past few years, we’ve seen an emergence of new **Japanese directors**, which fills me with hope for the industry,” she emphasizes. Hayakawa is aware of the prevailing issues in the Japanese film landscape and is committed to driving gradual change.

Encouraging Global Perspectives in Filmmaking

Hayakawa’s approach to **international co-production** offers inspiration to other filmmakers in Japan. “Not many Japanese directors engage in international collaborations, but I believe that my work can exemplify the potential and importance of reaching beyond the **Japanese market**,” she asserts. Her dedication to bridging cultural gaps in filmmaking continues to inspire both emerging and established filmmakers alike.