The House of Wedlock (1986)
A Japanese comedy-drama about marriage, betrayal, and the quiet courage it takes to start over.
The House of Wedlock - Movie Information
- Original Title: ウホッホ探険隊
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Kichitaro Negishi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 18, 1986 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Uhohho tankentai (JP)
- Production Companies: Directors Company
- Production Countries: Japan
The House of Wedlock - Plot
Tokiko Enomoto finds out that her husband Kazuya, who mostly lives at an apartment near his work while she and their children live at home, has been having an affair with a live-in mistress, Ryōko, at his apartment. Tokiko tells her two sons, Tarō and Jirō, that she has decided to divorce their father. The children are shocked but understand their mother's position. Kazuya realizes the damage he has done and tries to remedy the situation.
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The House of Wedlock - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kichitaro Negishi
Main Cast
- Yukiyo Toake
- Kunie Tanaka
- Masatoshi Murakami
- Shinji Motoyama
- Mariko Fuji
- Keiko Saitō
- Saburo Tokito
- Takanori Jinnai
- Noriko Hayami
- Kyôhei Shibata
Writers
- Yoshimitsu Morita
The House of Wedlock - FAQs
What is The House of Wedlock about?
The House of Wedlock follows Tokiko Enomoto, who discovers her husband Kazuya has been keeping a live-in mistress at his city apartment. She decides to divorce him and tells their two sons. The film explores how the family navigates the fallout with warmth, honesty, and a touch of humor.
Who directed The House of Wedlock?
The House of Wedlock was directed by Kichitaro Negishi, a Japanese filmmaker known for his sensitive, character-driven approach to domestic and social stories. The screenplay was written by Yoshimitsu Morita, adding another accomplished voice to this intimate family drama.
Who are the main actors in The House of Wedlock?
Yukiyo Toake leads the cast as the resolute Tokiko, with Kunie Tanaka playing her wayward husband Kazuya. Mariko Fuji appears as the mistress Ryōko, while Masatoshi Murakami and Shinji Motoyama portray the couple's two sons, Tarō and Jirō.
Does The House of Wedlock have a happy ending?
The film leans toward reconciliation rather than outright resolution. Kazuya comes to understand the harm he has caused and makes genuine efforts to repair his family. The tone stays bittersweet — honest about the pain of betrayal while leaving room for hope and human complexity.
When was The House of Wedlock released?
The House of Wedlock was released in Japan on October 18, 1986. It was produced by Directors Company and remains a notable entry in Japanese domestic comedy-drama cinema from the mid-1980s.
What genre is The House of Wedlock?
The House of Wedlock blends comedy and drama, making it a classic example of Japanese domestic comedy-drama. It balances lighthearted family moments with genuine emotional weight, exploring themes of infidelity, divorce, and parental responsibility through an accessible, human lens.
What are similar movies to The House of Wedlock?
If you enjoy The House of Wedlock, you might also like Somewhere in Queens (2023), The People Upstairs (2020), The Other Way Around (2024), Meet the Leroys (2024), and Inseparable Bros (2019) — all family-centered comedies and dramas exploring relationships with warmth and wit.
How long is The House of Wedlock?
The House of Wedlock runs for 105 minutes, or about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It's a comfortable, well-paced runtime that gives the story enough room to develop its characters and family dynamics without overstaying its welcome.
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