Japanese family drama films are known for their captivating and emotional stories that masterfully portray the complexities and nuances of family life. Each film in this list offers a unique window into the lives, struggles, and joys of families in various contexts, ranging from the traditional to the modern, and from the ordinary to the extraordinary. These films are celebrated not only for their narrative excellence but also for their ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions, challenge our perceptions of familial bonds, and offer insightful reflections on human relationships. Through a blend of masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and the subtle artistry characteristic of Japanese filmmaking, these films provide a diverse portrayal of family dynamics. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best Japanese family drama films of all time.
10. Departures – Yojiro Takita (2008)
“Departures,” directed by Yojiro Takita, portrays the compelling narrative of Daigo Kobayashi, a passionate and skilled cellist whose life takes an unexpected turn when the orchestra he is a part of disbands due to unforeseen circumstances. This sudden change leaves him jobless and uncertain about his future career path. In his quest for a new beginning, Daigo, accompanied by his supportive wife, makes the decision to move back to his hometown, a place filled with childhood memories and a sense of familiarity. There, he encounters a peculiar job offer, mistakenly assuming it to be related to a travel agency. However, he is taken aback when he learns that the position is actually about preparing the deceased for their final journey, a traditional Japanese practice known as “encoffinment.”
The film explores the crossing of personal ambition with the harsh realities of survival in a society that often harbors stigmas around death and the professions associated with it. Through Daigo’s eyes, the audience is invited to question their own beliefs and attitudes towards life’s final passage. The film resonates with viewers through its exploration of universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life’s inevitable changes and transitions. Each character in the film contributes to a broader narrative about coping with change, finding purpose, and understanding the complex array of human emotions. Takita’s direction brings a gentle, yet profound touch to the narrative, while his skillful storytelling creates a cinematic experience that lingers in the minds and hearts of its audience.
9. Broker – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2022)
In “Broker,” directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the narrative tells a thought-provoking tale centered around a unique and somewhat controversial baby box, a discreet facility allowing individuals to anonymously leave infants they are unable to care for. This concept serves as a focal point for a story that intertwines the lives of a group of diverse individuals. The plot stars off as two men decide to embark on an unconventional and morally ambiguous mission to find a loving and suitable family for one of these abandoned babies. Their decision to take this path is fraught with ethical dilemmas and personal conflicts, challenging societal perceptions of right and wrong. As their journey progresses, it takes an unexpected turn when they are joined by the baby’s biological mother, a young woman entangled in her own web of emotional turmoil and uncertainties about motherhood and her future.
Kore-eda’s film explores the complexities of unconventional family structures and the emotional bonds that form beyond regardless of biological connections. The characters, each grappling with their own personal struggles and the judgments of society, find a sense of solace and mutual understanding in each other’s presence. Their interactions reveal the nuanced dynamics of human relationships and the societal pressures that often dictate our choices. “Broker” emerges as a thoughtful and deeply engaging film, offering a fresh and often provocative perspective on the concept of family, making it one of the best Japanese family drama films of all time.
8. Good Morning – Yasujirō Ozu (1959)
“Good Morning,” directed by Yasujirō Ozu, offers a delightful and insightful exploration of the daily lives of two young brothers who live in a suburban Tokyo neighborhood. The film captures the innocence and whimsy of childhood through these siblings, who are portrayed as both endearing and mischievous. Their frustration stems from their parents’ steadfast refusal to purchase a television, a symbol of modern luxury and entertainment. In response, the boys embark on a unique form of protest, adopting a vow of silence. This act, though seemingly minor, becomes a catalyst for a series of humorous misunderstandings and light-hearted predicaments that ripple through their close-knit community.
As the narrative unfolds, these events are portrayed with a critique of the increasing westernization and the developing obsession with modern conveniences in post-war Japan. Ozu’s expert direction shines through in the film’s ability to juxtapose the simplicity of traditional values against the allure of new technology. His film is a charming combination of humor and thoughtful social commentary, characterized by his signature style of understated, yet impactful storytelling. Focusing on the everyday interactions of its characters, “Good Morning” highlights the subtle yet significant details of communication, both verbal and non-verbal, in shaping human relationships.
7. Tokyo Sonata – Kiyoshi Kurosawa (2008)
In “Tokyo Sonata,” directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the narrative focuses on the Sasaki family, a typical middle-class household in Tokyo, as they navigate the aftermath of the father’s unexpected job loss. This pivotal event acts as a catalyst that sets in motion a series of concealed emotional struggles and personal crises. The father, in an attempt to maintain a facade of normalcy, continues to don his suit every day, leaving the house under the pretense of going to work, keeping his unemployment a closely guarded secret. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to each other, each family member is silently grappling with their own private turmoil and unfulfilled aspirations.
Kurosawa’s film is a profound exploration of the varied challenges and hidden dreams within a family unit, all occurring under the immense pressures of contemporary life in urban Japan. The narrative explores the complex interaction between personal identity, societal roles, and familial expectations. It examines themes such as pride, the pursuit of dreams, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Kurosawa’s approach to storytelling, combined with the film’s realistic portrayal of each character, makes this one of the best Japanese family drama films ever made. Kurosawa captures the subtleties of each character’s journey, making their experiences both relatable and deeply moving.
6. Still Walking – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2008)
“Still Walking,” directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, follows the Yokoyama family, a household marked by a blend of traditional values and contemporary challenges. This family meets annually to commemorate the tragic death of the eldest son, who heroically died while saving a drowning child. Over the span of one summer day, the family’s interactions gradually peel back layers of deep-seated resentments, unexpressed frustrations, and an enduring, complex love that binds them. The aging parents, along with their surviving son and his family, each contribute their unique perspectives and emotions. Their conversations and silences alike reveal much about their individual and collective journeys, painting a powerful picture of their family history and current relationships.
Kore-eda’s direction in “Still Walking” is a sensitive portrayal of family life, focusing on the subtle yet significant exchanges between the characters. His attention to detail in capturing the small, often overlooked aspects of family interactions adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The film explores universal themes such as memory, the enduring impact of loss, and the relentless march of time, poetically showing how these elements shape and redefine family relationships. Through its thoughtful storytelling, ‘Still Walking’ invites the audience to reflect on their own family dynamics and the passage of time. Every character is rendered with depth and realism, allowing the audience to fully empathize with their individual struggles and moments of joy.
5. Early Summer – Yasujirō Ozu (1951)
“Early Summer,” directed by Yasujirō Ozu, focuses on the Mamiya family, particularly their adult daughter Noriko, played by Setsuko Hara, who lives in a time where societal norms are quickly changing. Noriko faces mounting pressure from her family and the surrounding community to marry, as is expected of a woman her age. However, Noriko harbors her own views about love and marriage, which stand in contrast to the traditional expectations surrounding her. The family and various community members present their opinions and preferred choices for her potential suitors, but Noriko steadfastly maintains her own ideas about love and marriage. Her gentle yet firm resistance to these pressures becomes a focal point of the film, showcasing her strength and individuality.
This film is a masterful exploration of familial bonds, individual aspirations, and the significant societal changes occurring during the time. Ozu’s direction stands out due to its contemplative pace and a deep focus on the small details of daily life. His approach is evident in the quiet, yet powerful manner in which he portrays the narrative, placing great emphasis on the interactions between characters and the understated beauty found in everyday moments. The portrayal of Noriko’s journey, as she seeks to find her own path in life amidst the various expectations placed upon her, resonates strongly with audiences. It highlights the internal and external conflicts that arise from the clash between personal desires and societal pressures, solidifying its place as one of the best Japanese family drama films of all time.
4. Late Spring – Yasujirō Ozu (1949)
In “Late Spring,” another entry directed by Yasujirō Ozu, the story again focuses on the life of Noriko, a young woman characterized by her unwavering devotion and deep sense of duty. She lives contentedly with her widowed father, Shukichi Somiya, in a post-war Japan that is on the cusp of social and cultural transformation. The film paints a vivid picture of their simple yet profound daily life, filled with small rituals and shared moments that define their close relationship. Despite being of marriageable age, Noriko shows a distinct lack of interest in marrying, preferring instead to dedicate her life to caring for her father. This decision reflects not only her love for her father but also her subtle defiance of societal norms of the time.
Ozu’s filmmaking style in “Late Spring” is characterized by its exceptional subtlety and profound depth in portraying the complexities of family relationships. His approach is deeply reflective, capturing the unspoken emotions and understated interactions that convey the depth of the characters’ relationships. The film thoughtfully explores themes of change, the passage of time, and the complex, sometimes bittersweet nature of parental love and the sacrifices it entails. These themes are brought to life through the film’s impressive attention to detail and the subtle, yet powerful performances of its cast, particularly from Setsuko Hara as Noriko.
3. Like Father, Like Son – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2013)
“Like Father, Like Son,” directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, tells a compelling story of two families, each initially leading completely separate lives. However, their lives are turned upside down upon the startling revelation that their sons were switched at birth. This discovery sends shockwaves through their worlds, upending everything they thought they knew about their families. The film follows the journey of the Nonomiya family, focusing particularly on the father, Ryota, a man who finds himself grappling with the complex reality of his biological son being raised by another family. As Ryota confronts this unforeseen situation, he is compelled to question his deeply ingrained beliefs and values about fatherhood, family, and the very essence of the parental bond.
Kore-eda’s film is a profound and insightful exploration of identity, parenthood, and the nature of familial love. It navigates the emotional landscapes of both families, exploring their internal struggles, fears, and hopes. The story not only challenges conventional notions of family but also showcases the ethical dilemmas experienced by both sets of parents and children. Each character’s journey is portrayed with great sensitivity and depth, allowing their struggles, conflicts, and emotions to become apparent to the audience, making it one of the best Japanese family drama films of all time. “Like Father, Like Son” is a thought-provoking film that invites its viewers to deeply reflect on the essence of parental love and the complexities of identity.
2. Tokyo Story – Yasujirō Ozu (1953)
“Tokyo Story,” directed by Yasujirō Ozu, tells the tale of Shukichi and Tomi Hirayama, an elderly couple from a small coastal town. They embark on a journey to Tokyo with the intent to reconnect with their grown children. However, upon their arrival, they are met with the disheartening realization that their children, now engrossed in their own complex lives, have little time or inclination to spend with them. Their visit exposes the chasm that has grown between the generations, highlighting the contrast between the couple’s traditional values and the fast-paced, urban lifestyle of their children. The couple finds themselves being passed around among their indifferent offspring, with only their widowed daughter-in-law, Noriko, demonstrating genuine affection and concern for them.
Ozu’s film is widely celebrated for its elegant simplicity and profound examination of the dynamics within a family. His masterful storytelling is marked by a deliberate pacing and a keen eye for detail, which allows the film to resonate with a quiet yet powerful impact. The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, focusing on the subtleties of human interactions and the unspoken tensions that simmer beneath the surface within the Hirayama family. Each scene is thoughtfully composed, revealing the underlying emotions and unvoiced thoughts of the characters. “Tokyo Story” is renowned not just for its emotional depth but also for the way it elegantly captures the universal themes of aging, loneliness, and the ever-changing nature of familial bonds.
1. Shoplifters – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2018)
“Shoplifters,” directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, portrays a narrative about a unique, non-traditional family bound together not by blood but by their shared circumstances and collective decision to form a familial unit. Under the guidance of Osamu and Nobuyo, this unconventional family unit navigates the harsh realities of their impoverished life in the margins of society. They live a life of scarcity, often resorting to shoplifting as a means to sustain themselves. Their lives take a significant and dramatic turn when they encounter Yuri, a young girl who is suffering from neglect in her own life. Moved by her plight, Osamu and Nobuyo make the decision to take Yuri into their fold, further challenging the traditional notions of family structure and kinship.
Kore-eda’s storytelling in “Shoplifters” is both emotionally powerful and thought-provoking, effectively drawing the audience into the lives of its characters with a deep sense of empathy and understanding. His directorial approach allows for a deep portrayal of each character, shedding light on their motivations and the survival strategies they employ in their day-to-day life. The film scrutinizes the societal structures and underlying conditions that lead to the choices made by the family, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles faced by those living in poverty. “Shoplifters” is a powerful commentary on the themes of love, belonging, and the societal constructs surrounding the concept of family. It challenges the viewer to reconsider their perceptions of kinship and compassion, ensuring its place as one of the best Japanese family drama films ever made.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Japanese family drama films of all time:
- Departures – Yojiro Takita (2008)
- Broker – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2022)
- Good Morning – Yasujirō Ozu (1959)
- Tokyo Sonata – Kiyoshi Kurosawa (2008)
- Still Walking – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2008)
- Early Summer – Yasujirō Ozu (1951)
- Late Spring – Yasujirō Ozu (1949)
- Like Father, Like Son – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2013)
- Tokyo Story – Yasujirō Ozu (1953)
- Shoplifters – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2018)
