Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy

「偶然と想像」
Guzen To Sozo

Partly inspired by Eric Rohmer’s process of producing short-length works, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s playful triptych of coincidence, chance and imagination remains a standout in the filmmaker’s filmography, vibrant in its playfully excursive meanderings. Ruminations on modern existence are framed across three delightful episodes entitled Magic, Door Wide Open and Once Again, wherein a young model discovers her friend is seeing an old flame; a novelist finds himself seduced by a former student; and old acquaintances reunite by chance encounter. Beguiling, amusing and often surprising, Hamaguchi entreats one to observe the miraculous fortuities of life and its intervening properties—all the while accompanied by the pianoforte variations of Robert Schumann.

Dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi, 2021, 121 min., DCP, color. With Kotone Furukawa, Ayumu Nakajima, Hyunri.

Part of Shiguéhiko Hasumi: Another History of the Movie in America and Japan
Oct 9—18, 2025

© Neopa/Fictive

Film programs are generously supported by Anime NYC, ORIX Corporation USA, and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by Jono Abrams and Elizabeth Linn, Ayumi Arafune, Darin Arita and Kanako Arita, Mike Audet, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Catanzaro, The Globus Family, George P. Hirose, Akiko Koide and Shohei Koide, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, Japan Society Film Council, and other Film supporters.

Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film Program.

Japan Society arts and culture programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).