They Say Nothing Stays the Same

In the debut directorial feature by actor Joe Odagiri, 'They 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, 'They 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.

"It’s a dreamy, unexpectedly rigorous debut that ... ends with an emotional bang.... Its path is lit by some dazzling modern credits from cult DP Christopher Doyle and Armenian jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan." ~ Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter

"They Say Nothing Stays the Same stands as a strong, pensive debut. Christopher Doyle’s impeccable, classical lensing fits thematically, with its lack of flash, giving the film a suitable timeless aura. Getting older and behind the times is a point we will all reach in life sooner or later, a timeless idea. The world must move forward, but what do we leave behind? Odagiri, in his early forties, seems to have reached that point and has crafted a sad lament for a loss of culture and tradition and the hunger for more than is sufficient." ~ Marc van de Klashorst, International Cinephile Society