Cast
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Fumiyo Kohinata
as Yoshiyuki Suzuki
Eri Fukatsu
as Mitsue Suzuki
Yuki Izumisawa
as Kenji Suzuki
Wakana Aoi
as Yui Suzuki
Saburo Tokito
as Toshio Saitoh
Norika Fujiwara
as Sizuko Saitoh
Takuro Ohno
as Ryosuke Saitoh
Jun Shison
as Shohei Saitoh
Miyabi Matsuura
as Nakamura Satomi
Kentaro Tomita
as Yoshida
Shunpei Kawagoshi
as Koike Hiroyuki
Seina Nakata
as Yui's Classmate
Akira Emoto
as Sasaki Shigeomi
Yasuo Daichi
as Tanaka Zenichi
Mickey Curtis
as Train Passenger
Crew
Director
- Shinobu Yaguchi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Survival Family examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Shinobu Yaguchi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Survival Family took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 63 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Survival Family shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bird on a Wire, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Survival Family subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Transamerica and Easy Rider explore similar territory, Survival Family stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 12, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 57m
