Belgium | France | Japan | USA 2024
Opening April 2, 2026

Directed by: Guillaume Senez
Writing credits: Guillaume Senez, Jean Denizot
Principal actors: Romain Duris, Judith Chemla, Mei Cirne-Masuki

Jay (Romain Duris) has been in Tokyo, Japan, for nine years, working as a taxi driver. He left France in an attempt to reunite with his daughter Lily (Mei Cirne-Masuki), whom his wife Keiko had taken away, when they separated. Lily, now age thirteen, wears a school uniform and hangs out with her friends. She injures her leg and needs crutches. Luckily, a taxi is available to drive her to school every day. Originally the driver was Honda (Toshihiro Yashiba), but he and Jay could switch schedules, and now Jay is driving his daughter, who does not know that her chauffeur is also her father.  He has prepared for his daughter’s return, i.e., setting up a room in his apartment just for her and having “Lily” tattooed on his arm. He is acquainted with Jessica (Judith Chemia) who has a similar problem; she is trying to take responsibility for her son Lucas, claiming that he was “stolen.”

Rules are strict in Japan where the word shinken refers to child custody for both parents, until there is a divorce, and then one parent takes full responsibility. This rule is in the process of being readjusted to the advantages of both parents, but in our film, the original method is still in effect. All of the actors are excellent, carrying the plot forward for just the right amount of time—ninety-eight minutes. One special actor is the monkey Jean-Pierre. The story is relevant to real life; perhaps you know someone who separated and then fought for child custody. Also, Lily says “it is not easy being half and half,” i.e. half Asian and half Caucasian. I can identify with Lily as my children are also “half and half”; I am American Caucasian and their father is Chinese Asian. The title could refer to several “missing parts.” Check them out and enjoy beautiful scenes in Japan: Tokyo, Yokohama, and Sagami Bay. (Becky T.)