What a Wonderful Family!
What a Wonderful Family!

What a Wonderful Family!

2016Movie108 minJapanese

A husband and wife have been married for 50 years. For her birthday, the husband asks the wife what she wants for her birthday present. She replies that she wants a divorce. The wife's divorce announcement sends the entire family into chaos.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users88%
Director: Yoji YamadaGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

The film centers on the Hirata family, a seemingly happy multi-generational household in Tokyo. The aging patriarch, Shukichi, begins to show signs of dementia, leading his wife, Tomiko, to contemplate divorce after 50 years of marriage. This unexpected marital crisis throws the entire family into disarray, forcing each member to confront their own lives and relationships.

Critical Reception

Critically acclaimed for its gentle humor, poignant exploration of family dynamics, and masterful direction, 'What a Wonderful Family!' was widely praised for its relatable characters and its ability to balance lighthearted comedy with genuine emotional depth. Audiences appreciated its heartwarming portrayal of aging and the complexities of long-term relationships.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of everyday family life.
  • Lauded for its insightful examination of aging, marriage, and intergenerational relationships.
  • Yoji Yamada's direction is commended for its subtle yet effective touch.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's touching and funny narrative, highlighting its realistic depiction of family struggles and the endearing nature of the characters.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Film at the Japan Academy Film Prize.

Fun Fact

This film is the first in a series of films directed by Yoji Yamada exploring the dynamics of the Hirata family, with sequels including 'What a Wonderful Family! 2' (2017) and 'What a Wonderful Family! 3' (2018).

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Reno

Reno

**A long married couple in a fresh hurdle.** I thought it would be purely a Japanese style comedy, and it was, but also capable to reach out the world audience. Except the Japanese cultural influence, the story and its characters, how it...