Takashi Miike's remake of "The Quiet Family" is a humorous, insanely happy
example of Japanese family dynamics. Miike succeeds in crafting a film which pulls the viewer into a true relationship with the characters, from the chronically depressed father, to the perky, squeeky-clean mother, their subtly slutty
daughter and punk son, and finally the crotchety old grandfather. Personally I have never watched a film in which relationships are made so imperceptibly.
The Katakuri family bonds through the film so thoughtfully and naturally that by the end the audience is so enamoured and captivated by their lives it is
impossible not to cheer. Even the con-man Richard Segawa, a character who
could have easily become the antagonist in the film, is a hilarious and ultimately human part of the film's narrative. "Happiness of the Katakuris" comes across as a heartfelt ode to the Japanese tradition of "New Years" movies - i.e. feel-good family entertainment. Quite possibly Miike's greatest film.
example of Japanese family dynamics. Miike succeeds in crafting a film which pulls the viewer into a true relationship with the characters, from the chronically depressed father, to the perky, squeeky-clean mother, their subtly slutty
daughter and punk son, and finally the crotchety old grandfather. Personally I have never watched a film in which relationships are made so imperceptibly.
The Katakuri family bonds through the film so thoughtfully and naturally that by the end the audience is so enamoured and captivated by their lives it is
impossible not to cheer. Even the con-man Richard Segawa, a character who
could have easily become the antagonist in the film, is a hilarious and ultimately human part of the film's narrative. "Happiness of the Katakuris" comes across as a heartfelt ode to the Japanese tradition of "New Years" movies - i.e. feel-good family entertainment. Quite possibly Miike's greatest film.