Being one of the few Japanese black humour film I've watched, "Funuke Domo, Kanashimi No Ai Wo Misero" turned out to be most interesting. With well drawn characters and a plot full of twists and turns, this film captured my interest throughout.
Though it begins with the sad death of the parents, the characters seems to be sad and worried of other matters as the story progresses. A selfish, untalented actress; another quiet, secretive sister; the hardworking, sympathetic brother and his cheery, selfless wife, this combination holds to its roots as the story unfolds to also show glimpses from the past that have greatly influenced the tensions in the present. The cinematography contain numerous scenes of Japan's serene countryside with a very compatible soundtrack throughout the film.
Eriko Satô's performance as Sumika is brilliant. The rest of the cast was excellent as well. Hiromi Nagasaku as Machiko, especially in the few scenes where her sweetness and joy is distorted with eerily spoken words and facial expression, was very good. Script was intelligent as well with many instances of controlled agitation, bizarre twists as well as unsettling humour quite rampant as it goes.
This film may make you think. Even though the elements of chaotic drama are present, it very well relates to real life and that fact may be shocking as well. Impressed with the direction here, I hope to follow more of Daihachi Yoshida's films.
