The Funeral
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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]
Movie Review: Itami's first deserves better!!
Summary: 3 Stars
This is the first movie by Japanese director Juzo Itami, depicting the Japanese perspective on a subject that most of us would like to avoid. However, with a humorous eye, he presents a universally appealing approach, showing that humankind, despite cultural differences, is the basically the same: the funeral is for the family and friends as much as for the deceased.I purchased the DVD because it took forever to find a copy of the VHS, and didn't want to miss the chance. However, the Fox-Lorber FLV5109 release is little improvement over the VHS. The video portion is sharper. However, it is still a cut down version with the subtitles occasionally disappearing off the screen (this happens on the VHS also). The subtitles are burned into the video track so you can't turn them off. The sound to me sounds mono, whereas the VHS is stereo. This could just be my poor hearing ;).
Conclusion: The film is well worth owning. However, if you already have a VHS copy, the only reason to "upgrade" is for a slightly sharper image or having it on a more durable format. The DVD also gives a filmography for the main actors, about the only plus. If you don't own it, you can get almost the same quality on the VHS.... If money is no object, the DVD is OK; just don't expect anything beyond owning VHS quality with fast scene selection. ...
Movie Review: Knowledge of Japanese Culture Helpful
Summary: 3 Stars
Clearly, some people who have watched this funny movie simply do not and will not get it. It is definitely a culture-bound phenomenon. If you don't understand Japanese culture and Buddhist traditions, it may be obscure and boring. But this movie is satire at some of its most biting--right in the butt of Japanese tradition and religion. It satirizes so many of the institutions that are "sacred cows" that to even begin to list them means you're likely not to get it in the first place. Things such as knowing by looking at the sagarifuji crest the sect of Buddhism to which the priests belong, and all that implies. (Contrary to what one other reviewer wrote, as Buddhists we don't provide food or offerings for the afterlife.) Part of the hilarity of the movie is about the ritual impurity imparted by death, part about the role of Buddhism in modern Japan, and a lot about Tradition. An auspicious start to Juzo Izumi's too-brief career.Movie Review: Good, if you really know Japanese culture.
Summary: 2 Stars
Unless your familiar with Japanese funerals, or are very culture curious then you will not like this movie. The film is billed as a comedy but really only Japanese (or people who have experience with Japan) can really understand the sarcastic look at typical Japanese funeral. Although I can appreciate Juzo Itami's work, I had a hard time watching this movie to the end. If you really want to know what a Japanese funeral is like in a long, drawn out manner, then give it a try. Once was enough for me.
The way this dvd was transferred is truly horrible. Fox/Lorber are well known for doing things as cheaply as possible. Burned in subtitles which sometimes get cut off by the screen, bad translation, English grammar mistakes and poor color control are Fox/Lorber's trademarks. Too bad they just dont care anything about quality.
Movie Review: Great movie...bad DVD!
Summary: 1 Stars
I'll start with the movie and save the worst for last. Funny, touching, and some wonderful acting. Nobuko Miyamoto and Tsutomo Yamazaki give great performances as do the cast of characters who parade past the chilled corpse. The camera is wonderfully active and vibrant.So if the movie is so good what can be bad you ask? Well it would seem most DVDs by Fox/Lorber. The Funeral is presented in a full screen/pan and scan format. It is a shame that Fox/Lorber is not releasing classic movies like the Funeral, My Life as a Dog, and others in at least letterbox and Dolby Digital. Fox/Lorber did not even work on cleaning up some bad edits and scratches on their copy. This pan & scan does not pay attention to making sure all speaking actors are in frame. The audio is just 2 channel with very poor tracking. What would make Fox/Lorber think that anyone would want a DVD version that is inferior to an old VHS copy poorly used at the local rental store?
On top of the poor audio and video there is the fact that the subtitles are useless at many points. The subtitles are in a faded white which are hard to see most of the movie and impossible whenever there is a light background (ie. the ENTIRE black and white episode!). The subtitles actually get cut off of the right side of the screen at some points leaving a question as to what was meant. Amazingly those aren't enough mistakes for Fox/Lorber since they have only subtitled 2/3 of the conversations and huge gaps get left out at the beginning and ends of some scenes. All in all I give the movie 5 stars but the Fox/Lorber edition on DVD is a -3. So I averaged the two together and came up with a 1. I hate to think someone might think that such a great movie gets such a horrible grade, but I would hate for anyone to suffer such through such poor versions if they didn't necessarily have to. If you must have this movie on DVD then at least it's out there. But then again maybe if Fox/Lorber left the good movies alone someone like Criterion would pick them up? Personally I'll be avoiding the Fox/Lorber label on my DVDs from now on until I hear they are going to start doing some quality DVDs. Even with such wonderful classic movies.