Watch What A Wonderful Family!

What a Wonderful Family! (2017) is a delightful Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. This film portrays the story of a family that has its fair share of ups and downs but remains united. The film stars Isao Hashizume, Kazuko Yoshiyuki, and Masahiko Nishimura in the lead roles. The story revolves around the Hirata family, who live in a small apartment in Tokyo. Shuzo Hirata (Isao Hashizume) is the 80-year-old patriarch of the family who has decided to retire from his job as a doctor. However, he has another surprise in store for his family - he wants a divorce from his wife, Tomiko (Kazuko Yoshiyuki). This revelation sets off a chain of events that has the family trying to keep the couple together.

The story is set in the Hachioji district of Tokyo, during the early summer. It's a time when the families gather together to watch the traditional Japanese fireworks display, known as 'hanabi.' The Hirata family, however, is divided in their opinions about attending the event. Some want to go while others don't.

The family is a typical Japanese family with all its quirks and idiosyncrasies. They have typical disagreements about petty things, but at the end of the day, they come together to support each other. Each family member has their own story to tell, and the movie takes us through their lives.

The star of the movie is undoubtedly Isao Hashizume, who portrays the role of Shuzo Hirata. He is a grumpy, yet lovable old man who believes in living life on his own terms. He is fed up with his wife's nagging and wants a divorce, but he still adores his family. His character is the backbone of the movie, and he brings in a lot of depth with his performance.

Kazuko Yoshiyuki, who plays Tomiko Hirata, is a strong and independent woman who doesn't take her husband's decision to divorce lightly. She is determined to get him to change his mind and doesn't shy away from using emotional pressure to achieve her aim. Her character is an essential counter to Shuzo and brings balance to the movie.

Masahiko Nishimura, who plays the Hirata's son, Konosuke Hirata, is a successful businessman who is having issues with his own marriage. He is caught in a loveless marriage and is contemplating an affair with his secretary. His character brings in a darker element to the movie and makes it more engaging.

The rest of the family members, including the daughters and the grandchildren, all have their own stories, and their characters are well-etched out. The performances by the entire cast are excellent, and they all work well together to bring out the essence of the story.

The film's cinematography is noteworthy, and the director has made excellent use of the Tokyo locations. The director has effectively captured the essential Japanese cultural elements, like the hanabi festival and the tea ceremonies, which make the movie truly memorable.

Overall, What a Wonderful Family! is a heartwarming family drama that is sure to bring a smile to your face. It's a feel-good movie that celebrates family values and relationships, and it manages to do so in a humorous way. The film is engaging and well-paced, and the excellent performance by the lead actors makes it a must-watch. Moreover, the film's realistic and relatable portrayal of a typical Japanese family and their issues makes it an enjoyable watch for people of all ages and cultures.