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.
