The movie A Family is a dramatic chronicle of the life of a Yakuza family in Japan, spanning from 1999 to 2019. The story follows Kenji Yamamoto, initially an aimless and troubled young man whose father died due to drug addiction. He finds meaning in life only after joining a Yakuza family, or a crime syndicate, where he meets Hiroshi Shibasaki. The two develop a close bond that is akin to that of a father and son, and Hiroshi guides Kenji through the treacherous world of Yakuza.
As Kenji grows in status within the gang, he starts a family of his own, marrying a woman named Rie and having children with her. While the film touches briefly on the joys of family life, it primarily focuses on the dynamics of Yakuza, and how Kenji's position as a high-ranking member of the syndicate comes at a great cost to his personal life. Kenji struggles to balance his duties to his family with his commitments to Yakuza, and his children often face the harsh realities of life in a crime syndicate.
The movie is divided into five chapters, each one taking place in a different year between 1999 and 2019. As the years go by, the Yakuza family faces a myriad of challenges, including threats from rival gangs, internal power struggles, and police investigations. Kenji and Hiroshi's relationship is also tested repeatedly, as they clash over the direction the Yakuza family should take.
A Family is a complex and nuanced exploration of the Yakuza lifestyle, and how it impacts the lives of those involved. The film boasts strong performances from Gou Ayano and Hiroshi Tachi, who bring depth and authenticity to their respective roles. Overall, A Family is a gripping drama that examines the bonds of loyalty and family in the context of organized crime.