Funuke Domo, Kanashimi ai wo misero Funuke (Show Some Love, you Losers !) by Yoshida Daihachi

For several years now, Japanese cinema has been demonstrating its vitality. The few films reaching Europe however generally consist of animated movies and other manga adaptations. It is therefore with much pleasure, but also some apprehension that one approaches Funuke Show Some Love, you Losers !, the first long feature from director Yoshida Daihachi. Fortunately, this burlesque comedy with an exotic flavour fully deserves its selection at this year’s Critics’ Week.

If the title of the film is already amusing, the first minutes of the screening confirm a somewhat quirky sense of humour. Free in all meanings of the word, this new ‘pic’ of young cinema opposes two visions of Japanese society, both modern and still rooted to its traditions. This is also the case for this weird family… After the tragic (and comic) death of their parents, two completely opposing sisters, their half-brother and his new wife find themselves stuck in their native village. A wacky familial drama then begins within which the two young rival sisters are constantly at each other throats. Both of them have their own characters and personal ambitions. One dreams of becoming an actress in Tokyo, whilst the other is struggling to get her horrific mangas published. In this colourful atmosphere, at times very close to the universe of animated films, Yoshida Daihachi skilfully mixes love and hatred, devastating emotions and disillusions.

These characters, so strange and yet still very human, give Funuke Show Some Love, you Losers ! its ongoing energy and dynamism. The filmmaker, who used to be an advertising director, has set himself apart with this eccentric, unnerving, but above all endearing comedy.

Clément Petitmangin, Constance Dechelotte

Very Young Critics