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They Say Nothing Stays the Same

Play trailer 1:48 Poster for They Say Nothing Stays the Same 2021 2h 17m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 14 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
In the debut directorial feature by actor Joe Odagiri, The Say Nothing Stays the Same follows an old ferryman in a remote Meiji-era community. His life is a peaceful, cyclical existence, given meaning by the essential role he plays in transporting people, livestock and goods across the water, connecting villages and lives. When news arrives that a bridge is being built, it's clear that his services will no longer be needed. Meanwhile, his life will be equally transformed by the appearance of a mysterious young woman whom he saves from drowning. Shot by star cinematographer Christopher Doyle and featuring an array of cameos from Japan's top stars, The Say Nothing Stays the Same is a refreshingly old-fashioned work of classical cinema, its formal qualities mirroring its thematic concern with those fondly-remembered traditions sacrificed in the name of progress.
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They Say Nothing Stays the Same

Critics Reviews

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Nicolas Rapold New York Times Nov 11, 2021
The movie floats along pleasantly enough for much of its 137 minutes... Go to Full Review Deborah Young The Hollywood Reporter Sep 20, 2019
It's a dreamy, unexpectedly rigorous debut that starts frustratingly slowly but ends with an emotional bang... Go to Full Review Ard Vijn ScreenAnarchy Oct 27, 2022
9/10
I do not want to spoil the film by telling too much about what happens, or raise expectations too high for those who seek it out. But to me, it was a great surprise, one of my favorite cinematic experiences of the past few years. Go to Full Review Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Jul 20, 2022
5/5
A poetic and meditative character study about a Japanese elder who models kindness, hospitality, and reverence. Go to Full Review Pieter-Jan Van Haecke Psychocinematography Jun 2, 2022
They Say Nothing Stays The Same is an exquisitely shot meditation about the impact change has on society and subjectivity. Go to Full Review Dennis Harvey 48 Hills Nov 16, 2021
Shot by Christopher Doyle, famous as Wong Kar-wai's longtime cinematographer, They Say... is duly sumptuous to look at, exquisite in its use of the surrounding landscapes. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Christian M @LeTurtleBoy Aug 30, 2026 Beautifull movie, a glimpse into a simple time with deep emptions. Without mentioning the amazing photography and music. See more Rose W @RT05138912 Jan 30, 2025 When you need to remind yourself of true beauty and how poetic a movie can be - I strongly recommended. See more Dav Y @RT62422818 Aug 17, 2023 There are many frames of this movie that I would like as a desktop background. See more Nov 12, 2021 Beautifully shot story about accepting the inevitability of change. See more Read all reviews
They Say Nothing Stays the Same

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Cast & Crew

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Joe Odagiri

Director

Akira Emoto

Actor

Nijirô Murakami

Actor

Ririka Kawashima

A Girl

Tsuyoshi Ihara

A Man from the Construction Site

Jun Murakami

A Merchant
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They Say Nothing Stays the Same

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They Say Nothing Stays the Same

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the debut directorial feature by actor Joe Odagiri, The Say Nothing Stays the Same follows an old ferryman in a remote Meiji-era community. His life is a peaceful, cyclical existence, given meaning by the essential role he plays in transporting people, livestock and goods across the water, connecting villages and lives. When news arrives that a bridge is being built, it's clear that his services will no longer be needed. Meanwhile, his life will be equally transformed by the appearance of a mysterious young woman whom he saves from drowning. Shot by star cinematographer Christopher Doyle and featuring an array of cameos from Japan's top stars, The Say Nothing Stays the Same is a refreshingly old-fashioned work of classical cinema, its formal qualities mirroring its thematic concern with those fondly-remembered traditions sacrificed in the name of progress.
Director
Joe Odagiri
Producer
Shozo Ichiyama, Takuro Nagai, Yusaku Nakajima
Screenwriter
Joe Odagiri
Distributor
Film Movement
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Japanese
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 12, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 12, 2021
Runtime
2h 17m
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