Sidonie (Isabelle Huppert) is a renowned writer invited to travel to Osaka, Japan, for six days. A Japanese publisher plans to republish Sidonie’s first book, and she is now being given the opportunity to sign copies of the book in person for long-term fans and participate in press interviews. While she accepts the invitation and packs her bags, it’s obvious that at the airport, Sidonie is having second thoughts. Perhaps something is holding her back- a larger issue that runs deeper than the long and tiring eleven-hour flight. Thankfully, a stranger working behind the counter assures her it will be worth it.
After arriving in Japan by plane, Sidonie meets with a local publisher named Kenzo Mizoguchi (Tsuyoshi Ihara). Kenzo is responsible for Sidonie’s transportation, overseeing various interviews, and ensuring that her time in Japan goes smoothly. He even offers to take Sidonie to visit locations such as a temple and promises to never leave Sidonie alone. Sidonie and Kenzo develop an unlikely friendship throughout her book tour, sharing deep discussions about their past and current challenges. Sidonie confides in Kenzo about the loss of her husband, which has also stopped her from writing. While in Japan, she experiences many unfamiliar things, which may help her move on with her life or keep her in a joyless world. At the same time, strange and unexplainable things happen in Sidonie’s hotel room, including windows being left open, abnormal dreams, and even seeing the ghostly presence of her deceased husband.
The film Sidonie In Japan is a drama directed by Élise Girard, who also made Belleville Tokyo. The movie tells a touching story, and it is intriguing how Sidonie’s personal struggles are not immediately apparent, including the reasons for her mysterious reluctance to go to Japan. As the story progresses, we learn more about her through her interactions with Kenzo, press interviewers, and her unexplainable visions and dreams. Actress Isabelle Huppert delivers an outstanding performance and there are many memorable scenes that are both heartfelt and emotional. The visuals are terrific, and it is enjoyable to see Sidonie experiencing new things in Japan. However, the pacing of the film is a major concern. It is slow, and sometimes it feels like there is little story progression. The final moments are rewarding, but getting there can be a bit of a challenge due to the slow pace.
Overall, if you’re looking for a drama film with a touching romance, then watching Sidonie In Japan is a good choice as it delivers many unforgettable moments on-screen. Isabelle Huppert’s acting is impressive as she portrays a character coping with a personal loss and many unexplainable events. Watching her friendship and romance with Kenzo develop is beautiful, and the details of the story are gradually revealed as the story progresses. However, the major drawback is its pace, which can be prolonged and drawn out at times. Nevertheless, the touching finale is worth the journey.
Sidonie in Japan (2023) is available in Australian Cinemas starting July 4th!
6.4/10
25th February 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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