Crazy Family

I had the incredible opportunity tonight to volunteer at the Japan Society in NY and watch "The Crazy Family" (1984). It's truly a timeless classic. The movie features five actors-parents, their son and daughter who are teenagers, and the grandpa-all with equally engaging performances. It's hard to pick a favorite among them. This film ranks among the most entertaining I've ever seen, portraying a dysfunctional family whose situation spirals out of control. Indeed, there's a certain magic to this movie. The family dynamics and the way they grapple with their issues resonate deeply with the audience. As things progressively deteriorate, there's almost a therapeutic aspect to the destruction of their surroundings and their interactions with each other. It's a raw portrayal of familial dysfunction with the presence of a humor that captivates viewers. There are some sexual comments and moves towards the young girl as well in the scope of humor that you will never see in American movies. The score is outstanding, there are some very long shots that don't allow you to take a break from the amusement, and even the ending is satisfying. Initially, I thought Stanley Kubrick might have drawn inspiration from it for "The Shining," but I later discovered that "The Crazy Family" came out four years after. There are still undeniable similarities, particularly in the intense scenes where the father confronts his daughter, traps her in her bedroom, and violently smashes the door to pieces with an electric saw. The mom's strip dance scene is hilariously memorable. It's a shame that this review might not reach many, but this classic truly deserves a wider audience.

A typically wacky and offbeat Japanese comedy with some near the knuckle moments. Similar to the likes of HAUSU in the crazed energy and character work on offer. This one's a satire of the typical Japanese family and the ill affects of living in a cramped house on their mental health. Amusing interpretations of the usual archetypes give way to increasingly bizarre situations in which our characters seem to be at the mercy of the elements. Not my favourite film, but suffice it to say there's nothing else quite like it.

I first saw this movie before I had ever set foot in Japan, and found it freaky and outrageous. A tour de force of punk values in celluloid. I assumed that much of this impression was due to my unfamiliarity with Japan. Now, after living in Japan from 1987 until 1991, it's still just as outrageous. One of the rare movies that combines freak out visual images with a serious concept. Ishii takes the 'typical' Japanese family by each stereotype in turn, and stretches each to cartoon extremes. Lock all these characters in a house with all the windows and doors nailed shut, and let the climax to this movie slowly build. Recommended for viewers who are decidedly not faint hearted.

You know that "syrupy" sitcom fad of the 1980's? With stuff like "Full House", "Family Ties" and "Facts of Life"? Didn't they just wanna make ya puke? You always wondered why they were popular in the US, as well as Asia. I gotta a cure for you"

Gyakufunsha kazoku!!! The Back-fire family!!!

Like in many US sitcoms, it starts off with the stereotypical working dad, the stereotypical house-wife mom, the stereotypical teeny-bopper and the stereotypical brain-child student. Everything seems to be fine..... ......Until they move in with their crazy grandpa who still thinks it's World War 2 and plenty of termites and roaches in the house. Oh boy, do things take the twisted root! HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH!

Now why can't Sitcoms in West DO THAT? That would be cool!

First time I saw this film must have been around 1987, on German TV I remember. "Die Familie mit dem umgekehrten Düsenantrieb". Either this one or 'Tampopo', which I saw around the same time, are the first Japanese films I even saw.

I was gobsmacked by this one. Loved every minute of it. It's totally zany. It's a wonderful satire on 'booming Japan' in the 1980's. I particularly liked the role of the mother played by Mitsuko Baishô. I would say in the film, she's a kind of Japanse Teri Garr. Very subtle satire next to the outrageous things going on. The rest of the roles are filled perfectly which makes this a little gem. Of course, being 17 when I first saw it, Yûki Kudô did make an impression. Not sure though if this film would work for younger audiences in 2017, you probably have to know the zeitgeist of the 1980's a bit.

Have been trying to get this film on DVD or Blue-Ray for YEARS and finally managed to find a copy on German Amazon. It belongs to my personal list of 'cult-films'.

10 out of 10 would be a bit off, the film is good and very entertaining but not a masterpiece, but I give it 9 for pure personal reasons.