The Happiness of the Katakuris

You know, sometimes you stumble upon a film that feels like it was cooked up in a fever dream, and you just have to share the madness. Takashi Miike is usually known for his gritty, hyper-violent crime sagas, but with The Happiness of the Katakuris, he decided to take a detour into the bizarre world of the musical-horror-comedy. It is a remake of a Korean film, but Miike injects it with such a frantic, colorful energy that it feels entirely his own. The story follows the Katakuri family, who open a mountain inn only to find that every single guest they host ends up dying in some absurd, accidental way. Instead of calling the police, they decide to bury the bodies in the backyard to save their business. It is dark, sure, but it is also a musical. Yes, you heard that right. Characters break into song and dance numbers that range from heartfelt ballads to bizarre claymation sequences that look like they were pulled straight from a Saturday morning cartoon gone wrong. It is the kind of movie that defies any attempt at a serious critique because it is clearly having too much fun being completely unhinged. The performances are delightfully over-the-top, and the sheer audacity of the production choices—mixing slapstick, gore, and catchy J-pop style tunes—is something you just have to see to believe. It is not a blockbuster, and it certainly isn't for everyone, but if you are looking for something that will leave you scratching your head while tapping your toes, this is it. It is a weird, wonderful piece of art that proves even a story about serial accidental deaths can be a family-friendly romp if you add enough glitter and choreography. Give it a spin when you are in the mood for something that refuses to be categorized.