The Family Game (1983)

This film is kind of a surreal exploration of a Japanese family, focusing on the pressure put on a child to do well in school and a mother's duty to feed her family.  It's hard to really know what to make of this film.  I think if I was Japanese I'd understand the social norms and get a clear sense of its satirical edge.  It's entertaining and funny at times, in a dark way but feels just out of reach.  The central story line is that the father of the family hires a tutor for his failing son.  The tutor in a blunt way motivates the kid to do better.  Then there's a dinner scene that is most memorable and worth watching.  Grade: B