Japanese movie Drive My Car is Ilkley Film Society's next screening

Yusuke is a theatre director, travelling to Hiroshima for a production of Chekhov's play Uncle Vanya, and trying to come to terms with bereavement from his actress wife, who has died leaving a secret. He likes to drive listening to tapes of her voice but is dismayed to find that, for insurance reasons, he has been assigned a chauffeur. This is Misaki, a young woman who is also grappling with a family tragedy. They set off on a journey across Japan in search of healing and peace.

The film's running time of just under three hours may be daunting for some, but those who let themselves be taken on the journey will be enthralled by an experience which never drags, is never predictable, and leads to quiet surprises and revelations. Lengthy films are not new to director Ryusuke Hamaguchi – his previous film, Happy Hour, was the longest Japanese film ever made, at five and a quarter hours.

Winner of both the Oscar and BAFTA for best foreign language film – plus 84 other international awards – Drive My Car was adapted from a short story by world famous author Haruki Murakami, whose best known work in this country is probably Norwegian Wood (successfully filmed in 2010). Murakami seems to be fond of using Beatles songs as titles for his works !

Toko Miura, who plays Misaki, had never learned to drive at the time she was cast, and passed her test just in time for the start of filming.

Non-members are welcome as guests (£4) but should phone Dave Howell on 01943 430097 to guarantee admission.