Within a society driven by technological dependency, “Survival Family” looks at how the familiar family structure would be disrupted when faced with a complete blackout. Backed by this premise, a family of four is forced to venture out in search of necessities as there seems to be no end or insight into the dire situation. While the family has to face hordes of others in the same desperate scenario, they also must learn to understand their place in the family, which was previously subdued by a focus on money and distraction with the conveniences of modern age.
“Survival Family” is screening as part of Father's Day Cheer on Asian Pop Up Cinema
The sheer amount of work in creating a landscape without any source of power imbues the production with a sense of awe and wonder. The commitment to world building is apparent in every scene, making for a surreal experience in seeing various locations, that would otherwise be richly populated and bright in a complete blackout. Furthermore, the amount of extras wandering the littered streets gives the movie an impression of an epic scale film.
However, part of the brilliance in the approach in focusing on drama within a single family is the ability to offer a grounded experience, as most of the narrative is conveyed through focusing on family only. Overall, the production balances the aesthetic and soul of independent cinema (by way of heartwarming drama) and big budgeted disaster film in a seamless and engaging manner, embodying the best of both cinematic experiences.
Undoubtedly, it is easy to get lost in the sheer scale of the film and the world that Shinobu Yaguchi (“Waterboys“, “Swing Girls”) creates for the viewers. However, the atmosphere is heavily reliant on the cinematography and the location work and both these elements work in tandem to showcase a perfectionist eye for world building. Consequently, it can be said that the two aforementioned elements work harmoniously, as the family makes its way both through crowded towns and sprawling fields and forests. As a result, the camera's focus always seems aware of the importance in backdrop, either focusing on closer shots of the family or wide perspective to catch the chaotic world they find themselves in.
The production is backed by great casting choices, as each family member helps to establish a sense of realism and history as a single unit. However, it is Fumiyo Kohinata and Eri Fukatsu as the parental figures that offer the most depth and intrigue. With the nationwide power outage, the traditional role of breadwinner is put into a secondary role, while the mother's social etiquette and bartering skills takes on greater importance. As a result, the father figure faces a large personal and emotional challenge when the skills he worked his entire life, seem to be more of a hindrance on his family's survival. Overall, this struggle of the father to find a new validity within his family makes for a fascinating transition, one which gets the viewer to emphatically cheer him on.
“Survival Family” is both a competent family drama and a well constructed disaster flick (with some humor sprinkled on top), resulting in a highly enjoyable experience. Furthermore, Shinobu Yaguchi's attention to detail is apparent in every scene and his vision is backed by the perfect cast. Overall, the ‘audience award winner' at Asian Pop-up is bound to please a wide array of film fans and offers an ideal celebration on the strength and importance of family.
