Looking for a feel-good cheesy musical full of claymation combined with live action and some singing and dancing zombies? Look no further than “The Happiness of the Katakuris” by horror director Takashi Miike. His decidedly nontraditional musical tells the story of the Katakuri clan, innkeepers who live on the depopulated slopes of Mount Fuji and who band together with tuneful Von Trapp-like determination when their guests keep turning up dead. Upon discovery of the first body, reaction shots of each family member are given the full music-video treatment… replete with dry ice and blue light!
Takashi Miike’s flims are often very provocative, based on extreme violence and sexual taboos and often contain ambiguous and/or truly bizarre endings. This particular film, in contrast, is a light and breezy comedy/horror/musical/romance/thriller with something for everyone.
Kiyoshiro Imawano steals every scene he is in. He is best known as a rock legend in Japan for 40 years with his intense persona, unique melodic sounds, and his unmistakable high tone. Check him out in his naval uniform, singing while flying through the air!
This clip features the claymation portion of the beginning of the film.