by Cookie N Screen
A Japanese Horror Zombie Musical by Takeshi Miike.
That is literally all you need to put on the DVD to warn people about how batshit insane this film is. Of course, it has become a bit of a racial stereotype that Japan is lumped in with the “crazy country” description. Japan has supplied us with game shows, music and fashion that have exceeded the sane quota so much so that we are speak about Japan in that tongue in cheek judging way, “only in Japan.” Negating the fact that economically, Japan is raking it in and has also developed some evocative art and mentality that continues to see its success whilst it honours its traditions too.
But no, regardless of all this, Miike’s Happiness of the Katakuris is still the craziest thing you’ll ever watch.
A Japanese Horror Zombie Musical by Takeshi Miike.
That is literally all you need to put on the DVD to warn people about how batshit insane this film is. Of course, it has become a bit of a racial stereotype that Japan is lumped in with the “crazy country” description. Japan has supplied us with game shows, music and fashion that have exceeded the sane quota so much so that we are speak about Japan in that tongue in cheek judging way, “only in Japan.” Negating the fact that economically, Japan is raking it in and has also developed some evocative art and mentality that continues to see its success whilst it honours its traditions too.
But no, regardless of all this, Miike’s Happiness of the Katakuris is still the craziest thing you’ll ever watch.
Based on a genuinely calm Korean comedy horror movie, The Quiet Family, The Happiness of the Katakuris revolves around a family who own a hotel at a former garbage dump of Mount Fuji. The father is optimistic as a new road is being put in that’ll bring guests to the hotel. Yet it hasn’t arrived and the family are struggling to earn business, leaving them impoverished. The ever hopeful father, Masao is thrilled when a famous TV personality arrives. However, it all turns sour when they discover him the day after having committed suicide. The trend seems to increase when every guest they have stay ends up accidentally dying…. And the family have no idea what to do…
Over the top ludicrousness, this film is one to be watched. Miike isn’t a director who plays softly with his work and with The Happiness of the Katakuris, he makes sure this is his wackiest yet. Which is saying something because this is the director who did Ichi The Killer. Here is a combination of aspects that seems stupid and so insane that it wouldn’t work in the hands of another director. There’s Claymation, there’s zombies, there’s a conman who convinces them he is British, that’s a singalong moment and an erupting volcano. In fact, there is one scene where the entire family turn into plasticine bar the granddad and his only reaction is to say “where’s the dog?” Oh - and did I mention there’s music too? This is a fully fledged musical and the over the top entity of tunes and jazz hands often appears so crazily throughout the movie such as discovering the body or one where the dead rises and join in. There is not one element of this that isn’t coated in absurdity.
Over the top ludicrousness, this film is one to be watched. Miike isn’t a director who plays softly with his work and with The Happiness of the Katakuris, he makes sure this is his wackiest yet. Which is saying something because this is the director who did Ichi The Killer. Here is a combination of aspects that seems stupid and so insane that it wouldn’t work in the hands of another director. There’s Claymation, there’s zombies, there’s a conman who convinces them he is British, that’s a singalong moment and an erupting volcano. In fact, there is one scene where the entire family turn into plasticine bar the granddad and his only reaction is to say “where’s the dog?” Oh - and did I mention there’s music too? This is a fully fledged musical and the over the top entity of tunes and jazz hands often appears so crazily throughout the movie such as discovering the body or one where the dead rises and join in. There is not one element of this that isn’t coated in absurdity.
Yet surprisingly, it all works. Mainly because the film knows how insane it is and therefore the cast, director and writing plays into the curve, embellishing the story with quirks and aspects that make it an alluring spectacle. Do you know that friend who bursts into song at every moment but does it with such furiousness you find it oddly compelling? That’s the same feeling you get with The Happiness of the Katakuris. Sure, at times it makes no sense but with some impressive acting from the likes of Kenjji Sawada and a family you can’t help but love, the movie does well to flesh out it’s crazier parts.
You’ll never see a movie like this again. And, certainly, the Western world will continue to struggle to produce this kind of uniqueness. The Happiness of the Katakuris is full of mystery and comedy, but above all - song. It’s so hard not to fall in love with a film like this.
You’ll never see a movie like this again. And, certainly, the Western world will continue to struggle to produce this kind of uniqueness. The Happiness of the Katakuris is full of mystery and comedy, but above all - song. It’s so hard not to fall in love with a film like this.
The Happiness of the Katakuris is out on DVD & Blu-ray now!
Read our list of Alternative Musicals too
Read our list of Alternative Musicals too
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