Where can I watch Oshûkatsu?

In the poignant drama Oshūkatsu (2021), audiences are drawn into the intricate lives of Shinichi and Chikako Ohara, a couple grappling with the complexities of love and commitment after half a century of marriage. As Shinichi's retirement thrusts him into a domestic role that Chikako finds increasingly burdensome, the couple teeters on the brink of divorce. This personal crisis is set against the backdrop of their daughter Aya, whose vibrant food truck business brings her into the orbit of Ryota Kanno, a thoughtful undertaker. Their budding romance offers a glimmer of hope amid the family turmoil, as Aya suggests that both her parents attend the Oshukatsu Fair—a unique event focused on celebrating life and preparing for death.

At the fair, Chikako seeks guidance on navigating the realities of aging and loss, a path that Shinichi vehemently resists. The film delicately explores themes of communication, the fear of mortality, and the shifting dynamics within familial relationships. With a tender yet realistic approach, Oshūkatsu examines how the struggles of the older generation resonate through the younger, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and love. As the characters confront their fears and find unexpected connections, viewers are left to reflect on their own relationships and the profound impact of understanding and acceptance in the face of life's inevitable changes. This heartfelt narrative strikes a chord for anyone who has ever wrestled with the complexities of love, family, and the passage of time.