The Family Game is a Japanese comedy-drama film released in 1983. It is directed by Yoshimitsu Morita and stars Yusaku Matsuda, Ichirota Miyakawa, and Saori Yuki.
The film revolves around the Numata family, a typical Japanese middle-class family. The father, Kōsuke Numata, is a strict and distant salaryman who shows no interest in his family. The mother, Chikako Numata, is a devoted housewife who has lost her sense of self and spends her days catering to her husband's needs.
The older son, Shinichi Numata, is a high school student who tries his best to get good grades and please his parents. He is overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed and feels like he is losing his sense of identity.
The younger son, Shigeyuki Numata, is a rebellious middle school student who always finds himself in trouble. He is failing his classes and refusing to follow his parents' strict rules.
The family hires a tutor, Yoshimoto, to help Shigeyuki with his studies. Yoshimoto is a charismatic and unconventional young man who immediately clashes with the conservative Numata family. He encourages Shigeyuki to question authority and stand up for himself, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic incidents.
As Yoshimoto's influence spreads throughout the family, they each begin to confront their own personal issues and realize the need for change. The film ends on a poignant note as the family members look towards the future with newfound hope and optimism.
The Family Game received critical acclaim for its insightful commentary on Japanese societal norms and its biting satire of the traditional family structure. It remains a classic of Japanese cinema and a must-see for fans of both comedy and drama.