Jay, a taxi driver in Tokyo, searches for his estranged daughter, Lily, after nine years apart. Directed by Guillaume Senez, Une Part manquante features Romain Duris and Judith Chemla, exploring the challenges of child custody in Japan, influenced by real-life expatriate stories. The film delves into complex cultural dynamics, portraying characters with depth and nuance, and highlights the pressing issue of custody arrangements amidst evolving societal norms. Currently screening in theaters, it invites viewers to reflect on emotional connections.
An Engaging Casting Experience
Every day, Jay navigates the bustling streets of Tokyo in his taxi, on a heartfelt mission to locate his daughter, Lily. After being apart for nine long years and facing hurdles in gaining custody, hope begins to fade. Just as he is about to give up and head back to France, fate intervenes when Lily unexpectedly hops into his cab…
In his third feature film, Une Part manquante, director Guillaume Senez reunites with the talented Romain Duris, known for his roles in L’Auberge Espagnole and Le Règne animal. Duris previously starred in Senez’s film, Nos Batailles, which earned two César nominations in 2019.
Joining the cast is the remarkable Judith Chemla, recognized for D’argent et de sang, who plays Jessica, a mother in a tumultuous divorce, determined to secure shared custody of her young son. Additionally, the role of Lily, Jay’s daughter, is beautifully brought to life by the promising young actress Mei Cirne-Masuki.
A Narrative Inspired by Real Lives
Guillaume Senez’s journey into the complexities of child custody in Japan began during a trip with Romain Duris to promote the Japanese release of his earlier film. There, he encountered the poignant stories of expatriates grappling with custody challenges. These narratives sparked the inspiration for a powerful story.
Motivated by the troubling realities of exclusive custody arrangements, Senez and Duris reached out to individuals like Vincent Fichot, who undertook a hunger strike during the 2012 Tokyo Olympic Games in a desperate attempt to reunite with his children. By attending demonstrations against child abductions, Senez uncovered that this issue affects both Japanese citizens and foreigners, transcending gender lines.
Recently, the Japanese Parliament has approved legislation to promote shared custody; however, cultural norms often prevent police intervention in family disputes, reflecting conservative views on marriage. Reports suggest that approximately 150,000 children are “abducted” by one parent annually in Japan, and surveys indicate that around 60% of the population is in favor of reform.
Portraying Complexity Without Judgment
“I contemplated how to engage today’s audience meaningfully,” reflects the filmmaker. “My goal was not to guide the viewer step-by-step or dictate their thoughts, but to evoke emotions. If they find themselves emotionally stirred and questioning their feelings, then the film will resonate even more profoundly.”
Une Part manquante emerges as a deeply moving film that explores the intersection of diverse cultures. The characters are portrayed with depth and nuance, embodying complexity rather than falling into simplistic categories of good or bad, which makes them feel all the more real.
Jessica stands out as a strong-willed character, grappling to navigate a society that values discretion. This cultural clash accentuates the isolation that both Jay and Jessica experience, mirroring the struggles of many expatriates in Japan. Their experiences reflect each other’s pasts, creating a dynamic that is both humorous and poignant amidst their challenging circumstances.
Une Part manquante offers a compelling exploration of a pressing contemporary issue and is currently screening in theaters.