The funeral as a commercial or commercial for a funeral...

Juzo Itami's The Funeral proves that while funereal rites are different culture to culture, the feelings surrounding them are universal. This is a surprisingly light film, often focusing on the humor provided by all those awkward moments and things not going according to plan - not farcically, but clumsily - that are true to the experience. Especially, as in the lead characters' cases, when it's your first one. With an obvious nod to Ozu (the low fixed camera positions setting the stage for family drama), though nowhere as strict, the film does provide some poignant as well as amusing moments, the same way funerals aren't awash in sadness, but rather creates a tidal emotion, coming in and out to disturb the stress, the boredom, and yes, the laughs. A beautiful evocation of what it means to lose a parent and having to set grief aside so you can get through the organization and expected ritual. I've seen two films by Juzo Itami now, the other being the most excellent Tampopo... looks like I have work to do.

original and definitely worth a look. superb photography also.