Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy is a quietly powerful Japanese anthology film from director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, best known for Drive My Car. Released in Japan on December 17, 2021, the film weaves together three unrelated short stories, each exploring themes of chance, memory, and emotional connection.
Each of the film’s three chapters — Magic (or Something Less Assuring), Door Wide Open, and Once Again — stands alone but echoes a shared sense of longing and miscommunication. From accidental love triangles to mistaken identity and long-lost friends, each segment dives deep into how life’s unexpected moments shape us in ways we rarely see coming.
Shot with a minimalistic style and intimate dialogue, the film relies on powerful performances and nuanced writing rather than elaborate visuals. It had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in March 2021, where it won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. Since then, it’s gained critical acclaim and currently holds a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising its tender storytelling and emotional depth.
If you're looking to watch Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, you can find it streaming on Film Movement Plus via Amazon, or rent it through platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango At Home. It's a thoughtful, slow-burn watch — perfect for fans of quiet, character-driven cinema.
