TOKYO SHAKING

France, 2021, 102 minutes, Colour.

Karin Viard, Stephane Bak, Yumi Narita.

Directed by Olivier Peyon.

The setting is Tokyo, 2011. It is the time of a strong earthquake in Japan, in Tokyo, after-shocks, but, significantly for Japan and for the world, the breakdown of the nuclear plants in Fukushima, tsunami and its effect locally and worldwide.

The action he takes place over only a couple of days, a French film with French characters, working with a French bank in Tokyo, meetings, plans, deterioration of the work of the bank, the need for cutbacks and sackings. At the centre is Karin Viard as Alexandra, an expert on risk-assessment, in Tokyo with her children, her husband working in Hong Kong, constant phone contact and Skype.

While Alexandra is trying to soften the blow of the firing of an expert intern, a Congolese banker (Stephane Bak), the earthquake strikes, special effects to show the impact of the quake on the high-rise building, on the staff and its effect on them.

What follows is a focus on French nationals, their being advised to leave Japan, difficulties of getting tickets, crowds at the airports, Alexandra’s children and neighbours children going to Kyoto to get flights, the boss arranging a chartered flight, then the discovery that this was only a plan not a reality and his escaping to Paris, Alexandra staying, the support of the local staff, sealing the office buildings against the incoming radiation.

Alexandra is harassed by frequent calls from her highly anxious husband. And she is disgusted and the action of the boss, destroys his office, resigns. But, she is supported by the local staff and stays with them during the crisis.

An interesting reminder of the effect of earthquakes, a focus on the privileged French workers and their getting out of Japan, issues of Fukushima, the dangers, the visuals on the constant news services – and a final theme of solidarity and support in difficult situations.

1. The context of 2011, earthquake, tsunami, the Fukushima nuclear plants and destruction?
2. The Tokyo settings, the vistas of the city, high-rise and offices, banks, apartment blocks, the streets and the shops? The musical score?
3. The situation, at the bank, the French presence, the difficulties of the bank, the chief and his attitudes, orders from Paris, meetings and discussions, downsizing, the threats to Alexandra, the targeting of Amani?
4. Alexandra, her career, success, risk assessment, relationship with a husband, separations from him, phone and Skype, her children with her in Japan? Their dog? The formality, dogs not treating in the vestibule, the carts?
5. The decision about Amani, Alexandra praising his work, Besse and his arguments, Alexandra trying to affirm Armani, suggesting further opportunities?
6. The quake, the experience, special effects, the staff in the office, shelter? The reactions, on the floor, a money sitting? Alexandra trying to leave, the after-shock? The support of Kimiko?
7. Family situation, the husband and his calls, anxiety, situations in the past, wanting Alexandra and the children out?
8. The airport, tickets, the rush, the bus to Kyoto, Alexandra putting the children on the bus, with the neighbour and his children? The neighbour, working for Areva, his continued reassurances? The television news, the further collapses at the plant, the danger of radiation?
9. Alexandra, the organisation of the list for the chartered flight, Besse and his wife, his return to Paris, the phone calls? Her exasperation, the phone calls, people waiting, discovery that the chartered flight was only a plan?
10. Alexandra and her decisions, coming to the office, finding the staff there, supportive, her staying with them? The radiation danger, sealing the office, the news of the danger passing?
11. Her anger at Besse, destroying his office, the reaction of the staff? Appreciation of her staying with them? The meal at the restaurant, the news of her daughter’s call, her husband supporting her? Their wanting her to go?
12. The hypothesis of such a situation, foreign nationals in an Asian country, the guest status, affluence, opportunities for leaving? Their working with the locals? And issues of self-sacrifice?