Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy ticket giveaway

Ryusuke Hamaguchi strikes Japanese cinematic gold again with his newest film, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy. His sophomore film of 2021, following the much-acclaimed Drive My Car, is a beautiful examination of the human condition through the lens of three female-centred short stories. In cinemas now, the triptych anthology superbly constructs themes of coincidence, regret, love, shame and desire.

The first arc, titled ‘Magic (or Something Less Assuring)’, focuses on best friends Meiko (Kotone Furukawa) and Tsugumi (Hyuunri). Much of the drama takes place in the back of a van, where Tsugumi retells her wistfully romantic interlude with Kazuaki (Ayumu Nakajima), a man who has ostensibly swept her off her feet. Tsu, Kazuaki’s pet name for her, utters that “feeling at ease isn’t the same as romance” and opines her hopes to still feel the “magic” the next time they meet, unbeknown to her that Meiko is his ex. Holding all the cards, a jealous Meiko seeks out Kazuaki to discuss their failed relationship.  

‘Door Wide Open’ is the second episode, which takes place at college and plays on the professor–student dynamic. Sasaki (Shouma Kai), a drop-out student, enlists his casual partner Nao (Katsuki Mori) to visit his ex-professor and accomplished author Segawa (Kiyohiko Shibukawa) and seduce him. Nao visits the professor in his office and recites an erotic excerpt from his book. While the sexually charged exchange amounts to nought, Segawa soon learns the conversation was recorded. Nao sets an ultimatum: Segawa needs to listen to the recording and masturbate to it and she won’t share it. In an accidental slip of the keyboard, Nao unintentionally sends the recording to the college admin team, destroying lives in the process. 

The last arc, ‘Once again’, is set in the aftermath of a computer virus that has rid the world of using devices. A system engineer named Natsuko (Fusako Urabe) attends her 20-year college reunion, only to meet her first love (Aoba Kawai) in a chance encounter at a train station. The two women hit it off and the woman invites Natsuko to her house for tea. Once there, they realise they are, in fact, strangers, not lovers, which opens the door for each of them to explore their hearts and the missed opportunities they have had in their life. 

Winner of the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy is a gorgeous exploration of coincidence and the magic in the world. This movie is definitely for the dreamy type who longs for the moments in life that take us by surprise and the myriad opportunities that can exist. As a whole, the film feels quite natural and is devoid of stylised cinematography. The dialogue is very conversational yet sharp and direct. Hamaguchi succeeds in developing multi-layered and complex women who ashamedly express their hopes, dreams, fears and desires. 

In cinemas now, Milk Bar is giving away three FREE double passes to see Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy. All you need do is email ross@milkbarmag.com with the subject line ‘Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy ticket giveaway’ and include your name, postal address and the cinema you intend to watch the film. 

Good luck! 

Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy
In cinemas now
View Trailer