User reviews

Masao Katakuri (Kenji Sawada) has moved his family--his wife, his divorced daughter, her child, his formerly criminal son and his father--to the country, near Mt. Fuji. He purchased a large old home with the intention of converting it into a kind of bed & breakfast, since the road running nearby is supposed to be expanded, which would bring tourists. But the road hasn't been expanded yet and the Katakuris subsequently have no guests. When one finally shows up, mysteriously, he commits suicide during the night. They hide the body to avoid bad publicity. But they seem to be in a patch of bad luck, and more things begin to go wrong. Through it all, however, the family sticks together and sings happy songs.

Oh how I wanted to give this film a 10! It has so many elements I love. It's an absurdist mix of horror, surrealism, a musical, claymation, a black comedy, and one of those progressively "going to hell in a handbasket" films ala After Hours (1985), Very Bad Things (1998) or My Boss' Daughter (2003). Unfortunately, Happiness of the Katakuris suffers a bit from being unfocused. All of the individual elements are superb, but director Takashi Miike simply abandons too many interesting threads and the film ends up feeling more like a loose collection of skits. If it were tied together better, this would easily be a 10.

Happiness of the Katakuris, which is a "mutated" remake Ji-woon Kim's Choyonghan kajok (The Quiet Family, 1998), begins with a restaurant scene that ends up being unrelated to the rest of the film. While a woman is eating, a strange creature appears in her soup. This initiates a long sequence of claymation. The creature is a small, skinny, albino, white-eyed "demon" who wakes up from being stabbed in the neck with a fork and proceeds to rip out his would-be-consumer's uvula, which he turns into a heart-shaped balloon. The claymation has a strong Tim Burton feel ala The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and provides a wonderfully surreal and somewhat gory version of a "circle of life", also known as a food chain. At this point I was completely loving the film.

Oddly, Miike drops this material and we go back to a standard live-action mode as we learn about the Katakuris, initially from narration by toddler Yurie (Tamaki Miyazaki). I kept thinking that the claymation demons would return somehow, but they're forgotten about, even if claymation eventually makes a return later in the film, with a style more reminiscent of Bruce Bickford, who did the claymation in Frank Zappa's Baby Snakes (1979).

Fortunately, the Katakuris are intriguing in their own right, and for a long time the film settles into more of a quirky art-house drama style, albeit with a darker edge due to the fate of the hotel's guests. During this period, a romance subplot enters as we meet Richado Sagawa (Kiyoshiro Imawano), who is courting Katakuri divorcée Shizue (Naomi Nishida).

There are a few interesting musical numbers, and the love song between Richado and Shizue has attractive, bright production design. Although some of the songs were a bit bland to me--I prefer the music of, say, Jisatsu saakuru (Suicide Club, 2002)--they are all intriguingly staged, ranging from spoofs of rock videos to The Sound of Music (1965). Miike keeps a wicked sense of humor going throughout the film--there is something funny about most of the characters, most of the ways the characters relate to each other, and most of the scenarios.

All of the technical elements in the film are superb. Miike treats us to a lot of interesting cinematography, the location/setting of the Katakuri home is wonderful, and the performances are good.

Later, Miike shoots for more of a madcap Monty Pythonesque style, complete with "zombies" nodding their heads and toe-tapping to a song (ala the Camelot dungeon prisoner in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 1975, or the group of people being crucified in Life of Brian, 1979). The latter reference is particularly apt, as the "message" of The Happiness of the Katakuris, insofar as there is one, ends up being remarkably similar to the message of the song "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life" from Life of Brian. Namely, life is short and often brutal, so we should focus on enjoying ourselves and having a good time with others while we're here; and once we're gone, others should celebrate our life and the time we had on the Earth rather than mourning our passing--somewhat like the funerals in some Caribbean cultures, which involve joyous singing and dancing rather than dour moping and tears.

Those are messages that I couldn't agree with more. It's just too bad that Miike couldn't have made the film a bit tighter, but even as loose as it is, you can't afford to miss this one if you have a taste for anything more unusual/surreal.

There is little more to say about this film than to recommend it heartily to anyone with a sense of humour. I mean a proper sense of humour. If you have ever wet yourself sitting through Monty Python you are going to enjoy this. This isn't Will and Grace.

Most of the songs are great, the song based around a dead man with scissors in his neck is brilliant. They are cheesy, OTT and have some of the best dance moves since Ricky Martin tried dismally to samba his way into the charts. I am still humming along to some of the tunes (from the Katakuris, not Ricky Martin. Although I wish he'd been a guest at the Katakuri's guest house.) My greatest problem with the film comes from its advertising. It is labelled as a "Cannibal Musical" in some press releases. Ignore this. There is no cannibalism in this film. Not even a suggestion of it. Nobody even says in close up; "Oh I am hungry" and then is juxtaposed with a shot of a dead body. The only feasible description of this film which mentions cannibalism is: "Is not about cannibalism, unless if by cannibalism you mean songs".

You are going to have a great time watching this film and if you are familiar with Miike I think it is safe to say that this film is more shocking that even Ichi the Killer. Why? Because at the end of it you feel all warm and fluffy inside and I dare say nobody expects this from Takashi Miike. I certainly didn't.

Cheesy, hilarious, and over the top, with dashes of drama, romance, and zombies. I had read about this movie before my friend brought it over from his friend's house. It gets better every time you watch it. The songs are irresistible and the characters are memorable and lovable. I can't get the songs out of my head! The dances are clunky, awkward, and goofy! It jumps back and forth from claymation. This movie and Kikujiro are the two weirdest Japanese movies I've ever seen. These comedies have so much things thrown in there that make absolutely no sense, and you'd hurt your head trying to think of a reason for certain things occurring. Richard Sagawa, the American in the British navy, or something absurd like that, is the love interest of the family's daughter. The acting is surprisingly good, especially of the father, and there is plenty of heart and a few scares. The dialogue will have you laughing. Bring on the DVD for one of my favorite movies!

What's not to like? There's love, adventure, horror, mystery, singing, dancing, flying, weird creatures and a volcano. It's like watching three different movies simultaneously, but somehow Miike holds it all together. There's even a very positive moral to the story! See this hilarious film as soon as you can!

Takashi Miike is the kind of director who makes you confront the grotesque, the beautiful, the exciting and the mundane all in one sitting. His other films often contain moments which, for the faint of heart, may be a moment of Bataillean transgression; something no doubt likely to become a summit experience. 'Happiness of the Katakuris' isn't one of them. It's not as shocking as 'Audition', not as frenetic as 'Dead or Alive' and certainly not as grotesque as 'Ichi the Killer'. It's different. Some might even say better than his other works.

'Happiness..' is an example of ingenuity within the bounds of what might normally have been the mundane. The story is essentially a simple one. A family start up a hotel in a mountainous region of Japan, and for a while they have no customers. Just when they begin to worry a guest turns up. Unfortunately things go awry, as he appears to have only chosen their hotel to commit suicide. From that point on things get from bad to worse for the family and their hotel. It's a simple enough premise, but Miike really builds on it and mixes in cheesy songs, spontaneous dance routines complete with operatic gestures, zombies, hyperbolised family drama and, surprisingly, claymation.

The cinematography is, as one might expect from Miike, excellent. There's a wide array of beautifully shot sequences showing off Japan's stunning rural landscapes, and there's camera work during the musical routines which perfectly mimic any famous musical film productions you'd care to think of. Miike also excels himself with his use of wonderfully rendered and skillfully executed claymation sequences, similar to those found in Kazuaki Kiriya's masterpiece 'Casshern', or Gen Sekiguchi's 'Survive Style 5'. The acting is, frankly, excellent. There's little room for criticism. Regardless of whether the cast were performing surreal song and dance routines, engaging in heated family disputes or making jokes at the dinner table, the actors are fantastic. They really help to add substance and humour to the movie. Those playing the Katakuri family are all perfectly cast. The grandfather, the daughter and the desperate father are a pleasure to watch, as they add nuances and depth to their characters, and by extension, the family itself. Special mention also goes to the actor playing the 'foreign' military officer and the daughter's love interest; he's probably one of the most amusing characters I've ever come across. He had me in stitches on several occasions!

There's so much off-the-wall humour and cinematic ingenuity that it's hard not to be impressed by this movie. Frankly, when I first had heard mention of this film I was very sceptical, ''A zombie musical? Surely not!'', but once I sat down and began to watch it, I was in awe. From the strangely endearing opening claymation sequence to the epic finale, 'Happiness of the Katakuris' is a film well worth a watch. Whether you're a fan of Takashi Miike, a fan of East Asian cinema, a fan of strange movies or just looking to watch something different, I strongly urge you to watch this movie.

I highly recommend this film. I found it to be tremendously entertaining. It is very well acted, very well directed, and the production values are high.

Having said that, it must be noted that the film is, well, wacky. The plot is really very simple. A father quits his job in the city and purchases a guest house in the country with the hopes of reuniting his torn family. He brings them together, only to have the success of the inn threatened first by a lack of visitors, then by the suicide of his first customer, then by the accidental death of the second and third customers. The family unites, overcomes the difficulties, and, in the end, the guest house is successful and the dream is achieved. With a plot this simple, one would expect a standard running time. It is an indication of the peculiarity of this film that it's running time is over two hours.

A brief plot description is probably the least accurate way to describe this film. The simple plot is used as a vehicle for all kinds of outlandish explorations of loneliness and death, as well as simple, unmitigated silliness. This film contains random and intense song and dance sequences (by actors who, for the most part, obviously cannot sing or dance very well), gratuitous claymation sequences, and melodramatic sequences discussing subjects such as familial loyalty, duty, and death - all performed in song with straight, and serious, faces. In one scene, a major character engages in an extended song and dance sequence with her new love interest (an American sailor whom she just saw for the first time) that involves lots of wire work, a choreographed dance routine with about thirty waiters, and an animated sequence with flowers being blown on the new couple by a fat woman. In another scene, the family breaks into the room where their first guest has stayed, only to find his dead body lying on the floor.

However, they bust in using a carefully choreographed, eighties-style dance routine, and they sing their woe and confusion rather than speaking it.

Does this sound crazy? It is. What's more, the above examples only scratch the surface. There's an extended fight sequence done entirely in claymation, with the actors' real heads occasionally superimposed over the claymation heads at especially dramatic moments. There's an extended song and dance sequence in which the dead guests of the inn rise zombie-style and break it down with the inn owner and his family.

Ultimately, the film truly cannot be described with words. It must be seen to be believed.

See this movie! It is a truly unique film and will, at the least, provide you with a fun afternoon, especially if watched with a large group of friends. Or I may be a weirdo. Either way, this is definitely worth watching.

It's rather hard to describe this great film. I could say it's about a family who owns an Inn, but their guests keep dying. I could say it's about a single mother trying t find love. I even could simply say it's a musical. But none of those descriptions do the movie justice. This film is weird with a capital W. I say that in a good way, a VERY VERY good way. It's a hybrid musical/ dark comedy/ crime story/ love tale/ claymation/ horror/ kitchen sink movie. Takashi Miike is my one of my favorite directors and this film further proves why. Just do yourself a favor and watch it. You'll be in for a treat.

My Grade: A-

This is one of the funniest, most original films I've ever seen. Okay, when I say original I know it's a remake of a Korean film, but the way the story is told is unlike anything I've ever seen. I love the way the characters randomly turn into clay figures, and the musical numbers are excellent. If dancing zombies sounds like your idea of a great night in, you've got to see this movie.

One of the best things to play in New York in awhile, this movie combines all the wierdness of modern musicals, horror movies, and family films into a happy story where almost everyone dies. The songs are hilarious, especially the son's "death song". You need to see this.

Takashi Miike is a weird freaking director, but whenever he strikes gold with me, he strikes a payload. Miike is as diverse as he is unusual; his films include wuxia epics ("13 Assassins"), manga adaptations ("As The Gods Will"), bizarre thrillers ("Ichi the Killer"), disturbing horror flicks ("Audition"), and now, apparently, dark musical comedies. Honestly, this is one of the weirder films I've seen from Miike, but it's also one of my favorite films from the acclaimed cult director. And yet, while I proclaim that this is one of my favorite films of one of my favorite Japanese cult directors, I don't at all doubt this particular film will appeal to a wide range of audiences. I, personally, think this movie is freaking hysterical and brilliant, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if the next person finds this film to be unwatchable; Miike is just that kind of director: divisive, controversial, and polarizing. The more I see of Takashi Miike the more I love him; while this film wouldn't be the first Miike movie I'd recommend if you're unfamiliar with him (start with "Audition", "Ichi the Killer", "13 Assassins" or "Blade of the Immortal"- those are all good, but relatively accessible), I honestly think it's one of my favorites of the cult director's diverse oeuvre. I imagine most people will view this film as a love it or hate it kind of flick; I personally loved it, but you'll honestly have to see it to decide for yourself.

Happiness of the Katakuris (Katakuri-ke no Kôfuku) 2001 Not Rated

This film is really not what it seems. The cover of the DVD shows a family holding hands running through a field, psychotically happy for whatever reason. Going in, one should clear the mind to a blank slate and just watch the goings-on of the movie. Don't for a second expect a single thing. Even after reading this review, don't think about it when you watch the movie. Just sit back and view something so different that only the Japanese could've come up with it.

"Happiness of the Katakuris" is about a Japanese family, the Katakurris (what, you thought they'd be "The Johnsons?"), who just purchase a large impressive house in the country in order to turn it into a bed-n-breakfast kind of place. Well, their first four customers (it's actually more people than that, but the first four paid room rentals is what I mean) all die. But, rather than report it out of fear of bad press and loss of business, they bury them in the country. Sounds like a horror film, doesn't it? Actually, it's a hilarious comedy. I mean a musical. Oh hell, it's both. But one musical number does have dancing corpses. So… it's a mish-mash of genre bending. Right up until the first death, the movie really doesn't show any indication of the lunacy the viewer is about to sit through. Then someone dies, and—BANG!—a zany musical number! "Oh my god! He's dead!! What will we do nooowwwww?!!!" Stuff like that. Dramatic camera angles, dancing, facial expressions—the whole sha-bang. The musical numbers are catchy and the songs are funny. Great characters. One sumo-wrestler related death. Humorous and original through and through. Highly recommended, but you've really have to have an open mind for this one. One of Miike's most fun films, a refreshing change from Yakuza and horror films. 9/10

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