Sunkist Family

Released in 1991, Sunkist Family is a Japanese drama film written and directed by Naomi Kawase. It premiered at the Pusan International Film Festival and has since become a critically acclaimed work within the Japanese cinema. The story revolves around the Takahashi family, specifically the patriarch, Tetsuro, and his relationships with his young daughters, Yumi and Erika. The family is quite unconventional for its time. They live together in a harmonious household where the lines of communication are open, allowing the parents to discuss sensitive topics with their children, including sex. This liberal approach towards discussing sexuality is quite rare in 1990s Japan, where such conversations were often taboo. Tetsuro and his wife, Fumiyo, have been married for a long time. However, their relationship becomes strained when an old flame of Tetsuro, named Eiko, arrives in their lives. Eiko is from Tetsuro's past, before he was married to Fumiyo, and they have a deep emotional connection that has endured despite the years. The entry of Eiko into the Takahashi household sparks a series of events that expose the cracks in Tetsuro and Fumiyo's relationship. Eiko's presence forces Tetsuro to confront the feelings he had long suppressed about his former love. This inner turmoil is compounded by the fact that his daughters are growing up and becoming increasingly aware of his complicated relationships with women. The introduction of Eiko also highlights Fumiyo's insecurity and vulnerability. As Tetsuro becomes more distant from her, she finds herself struggling to understand why her husband has become drawn back to his past. This sense of abandonment is heightened when she sees how close Eiko and Tetsuro had been, both in the past and present. Throughout the film, Kawase skillfully explores the complexities of human relationships and the fragility of family structures. She portrays the Takahashi family as a microcosm of the societal norms that govern Japan, where traditional values and expectations often clash with the reality of modern life. One of the key themes explored in Sunkist Family is the concept of " ikigai" or finding a sense of purpose in life. This existential crisis is exemplified through Tetsuro's character, as he grapples with the feelings that Eiko has awakened within him. Kawase suggests that it is only in embracing his past and confronting his desires that Tetsuro can find a sense of direction and resolve. The cinematography in Sunkist Family is equally impressive, capturing the beauty and serenity of the Japanese countryside. Kawase's use of natural light and long takes creates a dreamlike atmosphere, adding to the film's poignant and introspective tone. Overall, Sunkist Family is a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of human relationships and the fragility of family structures. Through its portrayal of the Takahashi family, the film delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity, raising important questions about what it means to be alive and engaged in the world.