Fûzen no tomoshibi

This is a treat if you are a fan of films from the fifties or sixties.

Set over the course of one day, a lower middle-class family living in the countryside, one sunny day receives good news: the father has won a newspaper competition. THe prize - an expensive camera. But as the news spread 'cross town, an ensemble of variouscharacters descend upon the house seeking part or whole of the loot.

It is generically a comedy, but, as the title suggests, there is a sense of sinister forboding maintained right 'til the end. In fact, the film quickly shifts gears - light comedy, crime-thriller, melodrama to slapstick.

The acting is what holds the film together. The ensemble cast are mesmerising - nobody misses a beat. The direction too, which often opts for show don't tell approach ensures an interesting viewing experience.

Finally, it is not very long. So, even if you are not charmed by this modest feature as I was, know that it will only thieve a fraction of your afternoon.