The Family Game
1983 | Japan | Colour | 107 min | In Japanese with English and Traditional Chinese Subtitles

Shigeyuki Numata (Ichirota Miyagawa), the underachieving second son of the Numata family, struggles academically and is often bullied by his classmates. Shigeyuki's father, Kosuke (Juzo Itami), decides to invest in a private tutor to address his son's shortcomings. Katsunori Yoshimoto (Yusaku Matsuda), a graduate of a third-rate university, is hired as a tutor. His mysterious background and unpredictable behavior raise concerns; he is both gluttonous and lascivious, employing a mix of violence and inexplicable affection in his unconventional teaching methods. Shigeyuki exhibits a mischievous nature, often engaging in antics that challenge authority. Yoshimoto, skilled at navigating both soft and hard approaches, ultimately succeeds in drawing Shigeyuki into the competitive world of academic advancement, transforming him in the process.

Adapted from Yohei Honma's novel, The Family Game was produced on a low budget as part of the ATG (Art Theatre Guild) "Ten Million Plan." Morita employs unpredictable narrative strategies to intertwine themes of patriarchy, educational abuse, and communication breakdown within the framework of an ostensibly perfect family. The film delivers a powerful satire, culminating in a climactic dinner scene that begins with forced politeness and devolves into chaos. This extended, over seven-minute long take captures the essence of disruption, standing out as one of the most subversive moments in Japanese cinema of the 1980s.

Scenic Portraits of Family: A Selection of Works by Yoshimitsu Morita
As one of the pioneering figures of Japanese cinema in the 1980s, Yoshimitsu Morita (1950-2011) left an indelible mark on the film landscape with his distinctive style and techniques. His works, from stark modern portrayals to tender emotional explorations, still resonate profoundly today. Among his many talents, Morita’s remarkable ability to adapt literary works showcases his skill in bridging different eras, creating vivid landscapes through the interplay of text and film. The program, Scenic Portraits of Family: A Selection of Works by Yoshimitsu Morita, invites audiences to revisit the expressive cinematic universe of Morita through a curated selection of four films that focus on the theme of family. Each of these films, adapted from literature, presents diverse narratives that reflect the complexities of familial relationships and the human experience.

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Morita began his journey in film during his high school and university years, where he published film critiques and created 8mm films. His debut feature, Something Like It (1981), garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Film and Best New Director at the Yokohama Film Festival. The pinnacle of his early career was marked by The Family Game (1983), followed by notable works such as Deaths in Tokimeki (1984) and Main Theme (1984). His adaptation of Natsume Soseki’s And Then (1985) opened the door to literary adaptations, while Paradise Lost (1997), based on Jun'ichi Watanabe's novel, caused a sensation and sparked widespread social discussion. Morita continued to create acclaimed films, including The Black House (1999), Copycat Killer (2002), Like Asura (2003), and The Mamiya Brothers (2006). Unfortunately, Yoshimitsu Morita passed away in Tokyo in 2011 at the age of 61 due to liver failure, leaving behind a rich legacy of cinematic artistry.

Honkaz Fung (Curator)

Date and time
(1) 22 Nov, 2024 (Fri)  19:00
(2) 30 Nov, 2024 (Sat)  15:00

Ticket price
Regular: HK$95, MCL MAX Members: HK$85, Children / Full-time students / Elderly: HK$75

Ticketing

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Enquiry
Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Division
Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong
Tel: 2522-1184
E-mail: infojp@hn.mofa.go.jp