Something Like It 1981
Yoshimitsu Morita's 1981 comedy *Something Like It* rides the unpredictable waves of early adulthood, following Shintoto, a rakugo comedian on the cusp of stardom whose life takes a delightfully messy turn after his first encounter at a local brothel.
Director: Yoshimitsu Morita
Cast
Kumiko Akiyoshi
Elizabeth
Katsunobu Ito
Shintoto
Masahiro Kobayashi
Shinniku
Denden
Shinsui
Takayasu Ohno
Shinsai
Erika Asou
Yumi
Tomoko Igarashi
Mariya
Kaoru Kazama
Rina Naoi
Ryucho Shunputei
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Something Like It (1981) about?
The film follows Shintoto, an aspiring rakugo artist whose life gets unexpectedly complicated after a memorable night at a brothel. His newfound romance with a sex worker draws the attention of a schoolboy fan, setting off a chain of comedic and heartfelt mishaps as he navigates love, ambition, and the quirks of early adulthood.
Who directed Something Like It?
Yoshimitsu Morita directed *Something Like It* (1981), a filmmaker known for blending sharp social commentary with gentle humor in his work.
Who stars in Something Like It?
The film features Kumiko Akiyoshi as the captivating central figure, with standout turns from Katsunobu Ito, Masahiro Kobayashi, Denden, and Erika Asou rounding out the ensemble.
Is Something Like It (1981) worth watching?
*Something Like It* offers a rare blend of humor and heart, anchored by its witty screenplay and strong performances. While it may not be a blockbuster, its quirky charm and insightful look at personal growth make it a solid pick for fans of character-driven Japanese comedies from the era.
How long is Something Like It?
Something Like It runs for 103 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Something Like It (1981) — A Rakugo Artist's Bumpy Ride to Love and Fame
Yoshimitsu Morita's 1981 comedy *Something Like It* rides the unpredictable waves of early adulthood, following Shintoto, a rakugo comedian on the cusp of stardom whose life takes a delightfully messy turn after his first encounter at a local brothel. The encounter sparks an unexpected romance with a sex worker, but her heart isn't the only one he's won—an earnest high school fan also trails him, adding a layer of comic chaos to his already clumsy, emotionally transparent world. Morita crafts a warm, bittersweet portrait of ambition, awkwardness, and the messy business of growing up in 1980s Japan.
With its dry wit and gentle satire, *Something Like It* (1981) captures the tension between aspiration and reality, wrapped in the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo's vibrant theater scene. Kumiko Akiyoshi shines as the magnetic figure at the center of Shintoto's romantic tangles, while Katsunobu Ito and Masahiro Kobayashi ground the story with sharp comic timing. This understated gem is a time capsule of its era—funny, tender, and quietly revealing about the foibles of young love and artistry alike.
