Family (1996)

Family Poster
Original Title: Familia

Santiago wakes up like any other morning. He goes down to the kitchen and his whole family is waiting for him: it's his birthday. They all sing "Happy Birthday to You" and give him presents. But when he opens the present of his youngest son, he gets angry and says he doesn't like it. The boy starts crying and saying that he loves him, but Santiago answers that he doesn't believe him and he tells the boy that he is fired and that he wants another son, who is thinner, who doesn't need glasses and who resembles him more. Written by Pablo Montoya

Introduction
"Family" is a series of 4 brief movies, similar to an anthropological investigation to chronicle the nature of modern-day Japanese families. Directed by the widely known director Yoji Yamada in 1996, the movie provides both a humorous and poignant look at the social changes that were taking place in Japan throughout that time.

Plot and Narrative Style
Divide into four segments, each with its own title-- "Father", "Mother", "Son" and "Daughter"-- the film checks out the dynamics of a modern Japanese extended family, supplying a nuanced check out each member of the family's perspective. "Father" and "Mother" concentrates on the adults of the family, dealing with concerns referring to work tension, social expectations and conjugal conflicts. The last half of the series, "Son" and "Daughter", moves the narrative to the younger generation, handling their struggles in school, handling social and peer pressure, and their efforts to individuate.

Each sector of the series consists of varying degrees of drama, funny, and satire. The sharp and observational writing combined with practical performances from an ensemble of stars gives depth and tangibility to the characters.

Themes
A main style going through "Family" is the battle to fix up custom with the busy change in modern-day society. The family represents a microcosm of the wider societal changes happening in Japan at that time. "Family" handle the battle between preserving values and progressing in society-- a battle typical in fast-paced, established societies.

In addition, the movie checks out themes such as love and relationships, individuality, gender dynamics, social expectations, and the generation space. By utilizing humor, pathos, and satire, Yamada strips bare the intricacies of social relationships within households, using deep insight into the human condition.

Production and Reception
Yoji Yamada's production of "Family" provides a minimalist approach in terms of sets, outfits, and cinematography, highlighting character interactions and dialogue over visual phenomenon. Yamada's delicate and astute direction makes "Family" one of the most profound and nuanced observations of familial relationships and social modification in modern Japan.

The film was gotten well by audiences and critics alike, for its authentic representation of modern domesticity and for highlighting serious concerns that Japan faced as a quickly improving society. It proved insightful in comprehending the struggles and thrills of domestic life in Japan throughout the late 90s. The film handled to throw light on the universality of certain emotions and scenarios within households, making it relatable beyond the Japanese audience.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Family" is a rich, engrossing, and socially pertinent cinematic piece that uses the microcosm of a single family to reflect on more comprehensive social styles. Directed by Yoji Yamada, the movie supplies deep insights into Japanese society throughout a time of quick shift, and the impact it has on familial relationships dynamics, making it a substantial contribution in Japanese cinema. Despite being over 20 years old, the styles and narratives of "Family" remain universal and classic, therefore keeping its relevance and resonance.

Top Cast

  • Amparo Muñoz (small)
    Amparo Muñoz
    Carmen
  • Ágata Lys (small)
    Ágata Lys
    Sole
  • Juan Luis Galiardo (small)
    Juan Luis Galiardo
    Santiago
  • Elena Anaya (small)
    Elena Anaya
    Luna
  • Chete Lera (small)
    Chete Lera
    Ventura
  • Raquel Rodrigo (small)
    Raquel Rodrigo
    Rosa
  • Juan Querol
    Carlos
  • Aníbal Carbonero
    Nico
  • André Falcon (small)
    André Falcon
    Martin
  • Béatrice Camurat
    Alicia