Classic Japanese Cinema: The Funeral

The Funeral (Osōshiki) marked the directorial breakthrough of Jûzô Itami and has since become a landmark of Japanese cinema. Through humor and careful observation, the film follows a family struggling to carry out a traditional Buddhist funeral, despite their lack of knowledge, emotional strain, and conflicting expectations.

Balancing satire with warmth, the film offers a nuanced reflection on social conventions, grief, and the unspoken rules that govern communal life. Its understated pacing and attention to everyday details allow moments of comedy and reflection to unfold side by side.

Described by The New York Times as “a series of joyous contradictions,” The Funeral is a comedy about death that feels both distinctly Japanese and universally human. A film that continues to resonate with audiences through its insight, empathy, and wit.