Free and Easy 4 (1991)
The fourth entry in Japan's beloved fishing comedy franchise, blending workplace humor with heartfelt family moments.
Free and Easy 4 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 釣りバカ日誌4
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Tomio Kuriyama
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 23, 1991 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Tsuribaka Nisshi 4 (JP), The Crazy Fisherman's Diary 4 (US)
- Production Countries: Japan
Free and Easy 4 - Plot
Hama-chan and his wife are ecstatic about their long-awaited pregnancy. Meanwhile, Su-san's nephew joins Hama-chan's department at the company.
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Free and Easy 4 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tomio Kuriyama
Main Cast
- Toshiyuki Nishida
- Rentaro Mikuni
- Eri Ishida
- Toshinori Omi
- Ryoko Sano
- Kei Tani
- Yatsuko Tan'ami
- Takeshi Katō
- Mami Yamase
- Kō Nishimura
Writers
- Toshio Sekine
- Yoji Yamada
Free and Easy 4 - FAQs
What is Free and Easy 4 about?
Free and Easy 4 follows the lovable office worker and fishing fanatic Hama-chan as he and his wife celebrate a long-awaited pregnancy. Meanwhile, their workplace gets a new face when Su-san's nephew joins Hama-chan's department, stirring up the familiar mix of warmth, humor, and everyday life the series is known for.
Is Free and Easy 4 part of a series?
Yes, Free and Easy 4 is the fourth installment in the long-running Tsuribaka Nisshi (Fishing Fool's Diary) franchise, based on the popular Japanese manga. The series follows salaryman Densuke Hamazaki and his passion for fishing, blending workplace comedy with heartfelt slice-of-life storytelling across many beloved entries.
Who are the main actors in Free and Easy 4?
The film stars Toshiyuki Nishida as the endearing fishing-obsessed salaryman Densuke Hamazaki, alongside the legendary Rentaro Mikuni as his unlikely fishing buddy Ichinosuke Suzuki. Eri Ishida plays Michiko, Hama-chan's wife, with Toshinori Omi, Ryoko Sano, and Kei Tani rounding out the ensemble cast.
Who directed Free and Easy 4?
Free and Easy 4 was directed by Tomio Kuriyama, who helmed several entries in the beloved Tsuribaka Nisshi series. The screenplay was written by Toshio Sekine and Yoji Yamada, with Yoji Yamada being a highly respected Japanese filmmaker known for his warmly human storytelling style.
When and where was Free and Easy 4 released?
Free and Easy 4 opened in Japan on December 23, 1991. It was a domestic Japanese release, fitting the franchise's tradition of holiday season premieres that made the Tsuribaka Nisshi films a beloved annual event for Japanese audiences throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.
What is the fishing theme's role in Free and Easy 4?
Fishing is the heartbeat of the entire Tsuribaka Nisshi series, and Free and Easy 4 is no exception. The shared passion for fishing between the humble salaryman Hama-chan and his wealthy boss Su-san forms the unlikely bond at the story's core, offering a gentle commentary on class, friendship, and simple joys.
What are some films similar to Free and Easy 4?
If you enjoy Free and Easy 4's warm, slice-of-life charm, you might also love Wood Job! (2014), Love Strikes! (2011), and Memories of Matsuko (2006). For classic Japanese cinema with a similar human touch, Early Spring (1956) and Late Autumn (1960) offer beautifully observed everyday storytelling.
What language is Free and Easy 4 in?
Free and Easy 4 is entirely in Japanese, reflecting its origins as a beloved domestic franchise deeply rooted in Japanese workplace culture and everyday life. Non-Japanese viewers will want to look for subtitled versions to fully appreciate the humor and warmth of the characters and their interactions.
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