Contemporary films like The Funeral have nothing on this cynical comedy ofmiddle-class avarice by Kinoshita, who was among other things a masterfuldirector of humor who used physical space ingeniously. The rooms, screens, andyard of a modest house in a still very rural suburb become the site of endlesscomings and goings, brilliantly choreographed. A couple, whose chief occupationis waiting for wily old grandma to pass on so they can inherit, win a big prizeand the extended family descends on them for the proverbial free lunch.Meanwhile, three juvenile delinquents scout the house, waiting for a moment ripefor breaking and entering. But they have the least chutzpa of any and in the endslink off, perhaps to some taiyozoku ("sun-tribe") film (see The Roseon His Arm, 2/16) where they can get some action. Those who have soaked theirhankies in the shomin-geki will appreciate the tear-fest Kinoshita provides atthe film's close, when the dowager's new clothes have been revealed.