The Funeral
by Juzo Itami
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Hideji Otaki, Isao Bitoh, Kin Sugai, Nobuko Miyamoto, Tsutomu YamazakiDirector: Juzo Itami
Cinematographer: Yonezo Maeda
Producer: Juzo Itami
Writer: Juzo Itami
Editor: Akira Suzuki
Producer: Seigo Hosogoe
Producer: Yasushi Tamaoki
Producer: Yutaka Okada
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: Japanese (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled)
Format: Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: Pan & Scan, 1.33:1
Running Time: 124 minutes
DVD Release Date: 1999-06-29
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Fox Lorber
Movie Reviews of The Funeral
Movie Review: More A Social Commentary Than A Comedy!
Summary: 4 Stars
First of all, I would like to comment on the DVD itself. I purchased this film some time ago, and hopefully someone can do a better job at restoring the films cinematic quality which it deserves. The spotlight reviewer addresses this problem in his review. This is one of a few Fox Lorber DVDs of Japanese films I own, and it appears they really do not believe in putting any effort into the films they transfer to DVD. Therefore, for those viewers who wish to purchase this film, be aware that the DVD is lacking in many areas. And the top spotlight reviewer mentions all of them in his review.
I never really thought that this film was a comedy. But more of a subtle and nuanced humor. [Although there are humorous elements in the film] I believe that because Fox put this as a dark-comedy on their cover, they figured it might sell better. Some of the reviewers skewer this film, however, I liked it. There are many different levels of emotions going on in this film. First and foremost is the tragedy of having to deal with death. And how one responds to the death of a family member: In this case the recently deceased father. I found the film sad in how the characters go through the traditional rituals expected of them in a modern Japan, that they must view videos on the proper responses such as the right greetings; and have to hire experts on what direction the coffin must be placed.
It's as if the deceased father is taking a back seat to a ritual, where the emotional pain and stress of having someone close to them is placed at an arms length: A sort of emotional supression. The death of any loved one is difficult enough for any of us to have to go through. And yet we all must face these realities at some point in our lives. However, director Juzo Itami did a great job [his first film] in a very nuanced way, in trying to show this critque of a funeral in Japanese society. Therefore, this film, and Juzo Itami he must be given credit for giving a very honest critique of Japanese culture, and how death is handled by the Japanese: The absurd, ridiculous, selfish, emotional and loving. Recommended. Beware of inferior DVD transfer. [Stars: 4.5]
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