With his highly perceptive attention to character, acclaimed director Kôji Fukada creates an explosive family drama with Harmonium (FUCHI NI TATSU), which captures the collapse of a seemingly ordinary Japanese family. Winner of the prestigious Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the 2016 Cannes International Film Festival, Harmonium arrives on DVD this November, exclusively from Film Movement.
Toshio (Kanji Furutachi) sees his seemingly ordinary life take an ominous turn when Yasaka (Tadanobu Asano), a mysterious friend from his past, arrives unexpectedly. Recently released from prison and in need of a helping hand, Toshio gives him a job and generously takes him in to live with his wife and daughter. Toshio soon regrets this decision, as Yasaka gradually disrupts the family before finally causing irreparable damage. Fukada’s acclaimed companion piece to his black comedy Hospitalité treads darker waters as it unravels a searing tragedy that has captivated critics and audiences alike.
Maggie Lee of Variety calls Harmonium “a quietly combustible tale of punishment and crime,” which “elicit gut-wrenching performances from Tsutsui and Furutachi.” Deborah Young of The Hollywood Reporter says, “The highly competent cast makes a remarkable switch from exhibiting their comic foibles to barely coping with what’s left of their lives after tragedy
strikes.” And Jessica Kiang of The Playlist notes”This nuclear family story is actually a nuclear explosion, played out in extreme, minutely observed slow-motion.”
Bonus Features
- NYAFF Chat interview with Harmonium star Kanji Furutachi
- Bonus Short Film – Birds (directed by Kôji Fukada, 7 minutes). A confrontation between a wife, her husband and his lover reaches unexpected heights of absurdity.
Harmonium DVD-$23.94
