There’s something about the Japanese countryside and black comedies. “The Taste of Tea” and “The Matsugane Potshot Affair” were two such films that spun wicked tales set within such an inconspicuous setting. Now comes “Funuke Show Some Love, You Losers!”, a dark comedy set, centered around the dysfunctional Wago family and all of their odd problems (and I do mean odd).

The movie begins with a funeral at the Wago’s countryside home. Both parents were killed, while trying to prevent a cat from becoming roadkill. During the funeral, youngest child, Kiyomi, has an asthma attack when she learns that her older sister Sumika is coming back from Tokyo. Meanwhile, her brother, Shinji, tosses his just-married wife, Mashiko, aside when he notices Kiyomi’s asthma attack. Not more than a few moments later, older sister, Sumika, walks into the Wago home and asks Machiko for $36 (the cab fare).

It seems while Sumika pursued her acting career in Tokyo, she also incurred loads of debt. When Sumika learns that there’s not much inheritance left for them, she begins to pout to Shinji. Meanwhile, Shinki promises to do everything he can to help her. Finally, when Sumika and Kimoyi are left alone, Sumika admonishes Kimoyo for the manga she drew 4 years ago.

So with that you have the basic premise behind “Funuke Show Some Love You Losers!” An unpredictable film, that’s equal parts comedy and drama. Most of the laughs were brought forth by Hiromi Nagasaku’s performance as Machiko, the docile new wife that tries her damndest to fit. On the dramatic side, Erika Sato, gives the best performance of her career, as the domineering older sister. There’s nothing hammy with her performance either, just a lot of nuanced goodness to hide her character’s true nature until the appropriate times.

Visually, the movie was as tasteful as the script and performances. The movie starts off with minimal style, but flashbacks kick in to reveal a more saturated/grainer look. Then there were the moments when Kiyomi drew her amazing manga pictures. A subtle indie rock soundtrack made those scenes come alive even more. If that wasn’t enough, there were also moments when the movie’s “real world” blended into the movie’s “manga world.”

Once the movie settles in, the film seems to draw on the familiar “American Gothic” style for inspiration, but set within its own very unique Japanese world. Making things all the more interesting were the film’s light whimsical tone, but very heavy undertones. Multiple storylines were created, all having compelling elements. Between the two sisters, deep seated hatred existed, There was also the mysterious relationship between Sumika and her brother Shinji. It seems they shared a lot more than most brothers and sisters did. Finally, there’s Shinji and Machiko’s relationship or to be more exact, lack of relationship. The way all these relationships resolved itself was entertaining, but the true beauty of the film lied more so with the manner in which all those dilemmas were revealed. A web of dark secrets revealed in comedic tones, told in an unpredictable manner, and tastefully embellished with visual goodies. Lots of love for Funuke.