Want a glimpse into the dynamics of a Japanese family? Head to a funeral. That other big family function, the wedding, is a time for putting on a brave face and meeting the in-laws in a spirit of celebration. But, funerals? Those are like emotional detonating switches: Festering resentments erupt, buried hatchets are dug up and secrets come tumbling out of the closet.
In his review of Yukihiro Morigaki's "Goodbye, Grandpa!" (Japanese title: "Oji-chan Shinjattatte") for The Japan Times last week, Mark Schilling drew a connection between the film and Juzo Itami's 1984 directorial debut "The Funeral" ("Ososhiki"), which is one of Morigaki's favorite works. Both are detailed observations of a family dealing with the aftermath of an aged patriarch's death.
"As in 'Ososhiki,' funerals offer great opportunities to depict emotions that have little or no connection to the actual ceremony," Morigaki, 34, tells The Japan Times in an interview that includes lead actress Yukino Kishii and veteran actor Ken Mitsuishi. "I was really happy with the outcome of this movie, especially in terms of assembling the cast. During the initial stages I was thinking I wanted to cast this person and that person but worried it would be impossible because they're all such big names. Miraculously, though, I got everyone I wanted."