Ryusuke Hamaguchi is a Japanese film director and screenwriter of remarkable talent and accomplishment. As a graduate of Tokyo University and the Tokyo University of Arts, he first garnered attention in his native Japan with his graduation film, Passion, which he directed and shot in 2008.
Hamaguchi's international reputation grew significantly with the release of his 2015 film, Happy Hour, which was followed by Asako I & II in 2018. These films showcased his unique storytelling abilities and his capacity to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
In 2021, Hamaguchi released not one but two films, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy and Drive My Car, both of which received widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades. The latter film, Drive My Car, earned a remarkable three Academy Award nominations, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best International Feature.
This impressive achievement marks a significant milestone in Hamaguchi's career, as he becomes the third Japanese director to be nominated for the coveted Best Director Oscar.
