A father’s struggle: Navigating Japan’s custody laws
A glimpse into the future of custody laws in Japan
In a few years, Japan is set to modernize its custody laws, becoming the last G7 country to recognize joint child custody. This change, expected in 2026, will end the current situation where a contested divorce can result in one parent being legally blocked from seeing their children until they turn 18. This is the backdrop for Guillaume Senez’s third feature film, “A Missing Part,” where Frenchman Jay (Roman Duris) finds himself entangled in this legal quagmire.
A chance encounter
Jay’s life takes an unexpected turn when he, working as a private car service driver, is hired to drive his daughter, Lily, to school. Lily, who was three at the time of the breakup, is now 12. This chance encounter sets the stage for a poignant exploration of a father’s desperate attempt to reconnect with his child.
Subtle storytelling
Senez and Jean Denizot’s screenplay masterfully avoids heavy-handed exposition. Instead, it gradually reveals the complexities of Jay’s situation, providing a lived-in feel to the narrative. The storytelling is highly skilled, peeling back layers to expose the slow-motion car crash that has derailed Jay’s life.
Jessica: A mirror to Jay’s plight
Jessica (Judith Chemla), a French expat in a similar situation, serves as a conduit for the international audience to understand the intricacies of the Japanese custody system. However, Jessica is more than just a narrative device; she is a character in her own right, embodying the fury and frustration that Jay has long since internalized. Her incredulity and despair at being cut out of her son’s life highlight the harsh realities of the system.
The uphill battle
The Japanese custody system operates on the principle that it’s best for children to have one home and one parent. This principle becomes particularly challenging when one parent is Japanese, and the other is not. Jay’s struggle to come to terms with this reality is poignantly portrayed by Duris, who brings a naturalism and grace to his performance.
A heart-wrenching reunion
The mechanism by which Jay ultimately spends time with Lily may seem unlikely, but it serves as a powerful narrative device. In an outlandish coincidence, one of his passengers turns out to be Lily. These scenes are rich territory for Duris, who must convey a heart-cracking joy while remaining concealed from his young passenger.
A performance of quiet intensity
Duris’s portrayal of Jay is a masterclass in restraint. He focuses on inhabiting the role rather than showboating during close-ups. Jay’s predicament is a tough one, but the meeting with Lily and subsequent events provide ample scope for light and shade. If the film garners any awards, it will likely be for the standout performances.
The passive protagonist
Jay is necessarily passive, boxed in by the need to obey the rules. Yet, there is a painful sense of passion almost smothered by despair in his portrayal. His performance inspires tremendous compassion for the character, even as he admits to having behaved poorly back in France.
The role of the ex-wife
Yukon Narita plays Jay’s ex-wife as fragile and visibly frightened, hinting at a darker version of the story where Jay’s tenacious pursuit has more sinister qualities. However, this is not that film. Instead, it focuses on the manifestly unfair legislation as a formidable opponent for the characters to wrangle with.
A glimmer of hope
The screenplay finds a lighter grace note in its closing minutes, offering a glimmer of hope. For parents contemplating divorce in Japan, the forthcoming legal reforms will provide more substantive hope. The film, however, remains a poignant exploration of a father’s struggle within an unforgiving system.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit A Missing Part.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and personal perspective on the film “A Missing Part,” highlighting the emotional and legal challenges faced by the protagonist. By integrating insights and reflections, it offers a deeper understanding of the narrative and its broader implications.