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Hamaguchi’s ‘All of a Sudden’ Draws 11-Minute Ovation at Cannes

Early reviews hail a patient, talk-driven study of care work under pressure.

Overview

  • The film premiered in competition at Cannes on Friday, drawing a reported 11-minute standing ovation.
  • Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto play a care-home director and a Japanese theater artist whose new friendship frames talks about identity and mortality.
  • Humanitude, a care method that stresses respectful communication and daily walking for elders, anchors the story’s critique of strained health systems.
  • Critics praise the film’s humanism, craft, and lead performances, while noting its 3-hour-16-minute length and dense dialogue may divide audiences.
  • Hamaguchi adapted the story from published letters and filmed largely in a real care facility, with Neon handling U.S. distribution.