The Hope College Knickerbocker Theatre will continue its winter film series with the Japanese drama “They Say Nothing Stays the Same” on Monday-Saturday, Feb. 21-26, at 7:30 p.m.
The award-winning film has been called “a tender, quiet film that seeks to reckon with very big questions of self-worth and the modernization of society,” by Spectrum Culture. Like many, The New York Times praised the film’s cinematography, calling it a “postcard pretty film.”
“They Say Nothing Stays the Same” is the debut directorial film by actor Joe Odagiri. The film follows an old ferryman in a remote Meiji-era community, whose peaceful, cyclical life is given meaning by the essential role he plays in transporting people, livestock and goods across the water, connecting villages and lives. His placid existence is disturbed by two events: news that a bridge is being built nearby, which would void the need for his services, and the appearance of a mysterious young woman whom he saves from drowning.
Cinematographer Christopher Doyle’s classical approach mirrors the film’s thematic concern with those fondly-remembered traditions sacrificed in the name of progress. The film is in Japanese with English subtitles and is not rated.
“They Say Nothing Stays the Same” is the second of four films in this year’s winter series, which opened with “Beans” on Jan. 24-29. The series will continue with a documentary on Julia Child, called “Julia,” showing March 28-April 2; and conclude with “Hive,” a Kosovan drama, showing April 4-9.
Tickets for the films are $7 for regular admission and $6 for senior citizens, Hope College staff and faculty, and children. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Audience members who need assistance to fully enjoy any event at Hope are encouraged to contact the college’s Events and Conferences Office by emailing events@hope.edu or calling 616-395-7222 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Updates related to events are posted when available in the individual listings at hope.edu/calendar
Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, Hope is currently requiring that masks be worn by all individuals while indoors on campus unless in their living space or alone in their workspace.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in downtown Holland at 86 E. Eighth St.