Saturday, February 28, 2026

1450. The Funeral (1984)



Director : Juzo Itami

Cinematographer : Yonezo Maeda

Genre : Drama

Country : Japan

Duration : 124 Minutes

🔸 A death in the family becomes the beginning of confusion, awkward rituals, and unexpected humor. The Funeral follows a middle-class Japanese family as they organize and go through traditional funeral ceremonies after the passing of a relative. The plot is simple and focused on the days surrounding the funeral. It shows preparations, visits from guests, religious rituals, and the emotional strain on the family. The film does not rely on big dramatic events. Instead, it observes how people behave during formal and uncomfortable situations.

🔸 The concept is strong and original. Turning a funeral into a mix of social satire and family drama is a bold idea. The film carefully shows how traditions are followed, sometimes without fully understanding them. It also highlights the awkwardness, small conflicts, and hidden frustrations that come out during such gatherings. The performances are natural and believable. The actors handle both emotional and comedic moments with balance. Their reactions feel real, especially in scenes where grief mixes with confusion or embarrassment.

🔸 However, while the idea is interesting, the story progression feels uneven. Some scenes stretch longer than needed, and the film repeats certain emotional beats. The pacing slows down in the middle, making the narrative feel heavier than it should. The emotional payoff is also softer than expected. The film builds observation and satire well, but it does not reach a deeply powerful conclusion. Even so, The Funeral remains a thoughtful and well-acted film with a unique concept. It is both humorous and reflective, even if it lacks a strong final impact.

Verdict : Good

DC Rating : 3.5/5

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