Definitely Divorcing ( 2016 )

Definitely Divorcing (2016): A Deep Dive into Family, Dysfunction, and Finding Yourself

Definitely Divorcing (2016), originally titled Rikôn na Futari in Japanese, is a dramedy directed by Megumi Nishiwaki that delicately balances humor and pathos while exploring the complexities of family relationships, personal growth, and the surprising paths life takes us on. The film centers around Yumi, a woman navigating the impending divorce of her seemingly perfect parents after 30 years of marriage. What starts as an attempt to salvage the family unravels into a series of revelations, forcing Yumi to confront her own insecurities, expectations, and ultimately, her own identity. The film resonated with audiences for its relatable themes, strong performances, and its ability to find the humor in even the most challenging situations. This article will delve deeper into the film's narrative, characters, themes, and overall impact.

Synopsis

Yumi, a successful career woman in her early thirties, leads a relatively stable life. However, her world is shaken when her parents, Tadashi and Chieko, announce their intention to divorce. Tadashi, a reserved and dependable salaryman, reveals he's been having an affair with a younger woman. Chieko, a meticulous and seemingly content housewife, decides she's had enough of Tadashi's passive behavior and hidden desires. Yumi, unable to accept the sudden disintegration of her idealized family unit, rushes back home, determined to reconcile her parents. Her efforts, however, are met with resistance and unexpected truths. As Yumi attempts to fix her parents' marriage, she uncovers long-held secrets, simmering resentments, and the individual desires that have been suppressed for years. The film follows Yumi's journey as she grapples with her parents' choices, her own romantic frustrations, and the realization that happily ever after might not be the reality she always believed in. Through a series of comedic mishaps and emotionally charged confrontations, Yumi learns to accept her parents' decisions, redefine her understanding of family, and ultimately, find the courage to pursue her own happiness.

Character Analysis

The strength of Definitely Divorcing lies in its well-developed and relatable characters. Each character possesses their own flaws, desires, and motivations, making them feel incredibly human. Here's a closer look at the key players:

Yumi

Yumi is the protagonist, a driven and independent woman struggling to accept the imperfections of her family. She represents the audience's initial desire for a perfect family dynamic. Her attempts to control the situation and fix her parents' marriage stem from her own insecurities and fear of change. As the film progresses, Yumi gradually evolves, learning to let go of her expectations and embrace the complexities of life. Her character arc revolves around self-discovery and finding the courage to pursue her own happiness, independent of her parents' choices.

Tadashi

Tadashi, Yumi's father, is a seemingly ordinary salaryman who has lived a life of quiet resignation. His affair is not portrayed as a simple act of infidelity but rather as a symptom of his unfulfilled desires and the years he spent suppressing his true self. While his actions are initially viewed as selfish, the film delves into the reasons behind his choices, revealing the emotional burden of conforming to societal expectations and the limitations of traditional marriage roles.

Chieko

Chieko, Yumi's mother, appears to be the epitome of the perfect housewife. However, beneath the surface lies a woman who has sacrificed her own ambitions and desires for the sake of her family. Her decision to divorce Tadashi is not simply a reaction to his affair but a long-overdue assertion of her own independence and a desire to finally pursue her own passions. Chieko's character represents the unspoken sacrifices made by many women within traditional family structures.

Other Supporting Characters

The film features a rich cast of supporting characters who contribute to the overall narrative. Yumi's friends offer her support and different perspectives on relationships. Tadashi's younger lover adds another layer of complexity to the story, challenging the audience's assumptions about love and happiness. These characters enrich the film's exploration of family dynamics and individual desires.

Themes

Definitely Divorcing explores several important themes that resonate with audiences on a personal level:

The Illusion of the Perfect Family

The film deconstructs the idealized image of the perfect family, revealing the hidden cracks and unspoken resentments that often lie beneath the surface. It challenges the notion that happiness can be achieved by simply conforming to societal expectations and maintaining appearances.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Each character undergoes a journey of self-discovery, confronting their own insecurities, desires, and limitations. The film emphasizes the importance of embracing change and pursuing one's own happiness, even if it means challenging societal norms.

Communication and Honesty

The lack of open communication and honesty is a central theme in the film. The characters' inability to express their true feelings leads to misunderstandings, resentment, and ultimately, the breakdown of their relationships. The film highlights the importance of vulnerability and genuine connection in fostering healthy relationships.

The Redefinition of Family

Definitely Divorcing challenges traditional definitions of family. It suggests that family is not simply a static unit defined by blood ties or marital status but rather a dynamic network of relationships that evolve and adapt over time. The film celebrates the possibility of finding new forms of connection and support, even in the face of change.

The Burden of Expectations

The film explores the pressures individuals face to conform to societal expectations, particularly within the context of marriage and family. It questions the traditional roles assigned to men and women and highlights the importance of breaking free from these constraints to pursue personal fulfillment.

Humor and Tone

While dealing with serious themes, Definitely Divorcing maintains a lighthearted and comedic tone. The humor arises from the characters' awkward interactions, the absurdity of their situations, and the contrast between their expectations and reality. The film uses humor to soften the impact of its heavier themes, making them more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. The comedic elements also serve to highlight the characters' vulnerabilities and make them more endearing.

Impact and Reception

Definitely Divorcing received positive reviews for its insightful exploration of family dynamics, strong performances, and its ability to blend humor and pathos. The film resonated with audiences who have experienced similar challenges within their own families. Its relatable themes and realistic characters made it a commercially successful film in Japan.

Key Scene Analysis

One particularly memorable scene involves Yumi confronting her father about his affair. The scene begins with Yumi's angry accusations and Tadashi's defensive responses. However, as the conversation progresses, Tadashi reveals the years of quiet unhappiness he endured, the feeling of being trapped in a life he didn't choose. This scene marks a turning point in Yumi's understanding of her father and the complexities of his decision. It also demonstrates the film's ability to humanize even flawed characters and elicit empathy from the audience.

Another significant scene is when Chieko reveals her own aspirations and dreams to Yumi. This scene showcases Chieko's newfound sense of independence and her determination to pursue her own happiness. It highlights the film's message about the importance of self-discovery and the possibility of finding fulfillment at any stage of life.

Comparison to Other Films

Definitely Divorcing shares thematic similarities with other films that explore family dysfunction and personal growth, such as Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and The Family Stone (2005). However, Definitely Divorcing distinguishes itself through its unique cultural context and its focus on the specific challenges faced by individuals within traditional Japanese society.

Conclusion

Definitely Divorcing is a poignant and humorous exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and the courage to redefine one's own happiness. The film's relatable characters, insightful themes, and balanced tone make it a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience. It reminds us that families are not always perfect, but they are always evolving, and that true happiness lies in embracing change and pursuing our own authentic selves. The film ultimately leaves the audience with a sense of hope and the understanding that even in the face of challenges, it is possible to find new beginnings and create our own version of happily ever after.

Tables

Character Summary

Thematic Breakdown

Film Details