A Tale of Happiness 1988
In Yōichi Higashi's quietly provocative 1988 drama-comedy *A Tale of Happiness*, a weary department manager escapes the pressures of corporate life by purchasing a small apartment where he meets a younger woman for weekly trysts.
Director: Yōichi Higashi
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Tale of Happiness (1988) about?
The film follows a middle-aged department manager who buys a one-room apartment as a private escape, arranging weekly meetings with a younger woman. What starts as a detached arrangement slowly reveals deeper questions about human connection and the cost of solitude.
Who directed A Tale of Happiness?
Yōichi Higashi directed the film. Known for his sharp, humanistic storytelling, Higashi crafts a narrative that blends drama and comedy with quiet precision.
Who stars in A Tale of Happiness?
The film features Maiko Kawakami, Minori Terada, Shuko Honami, Hiroyuki Watari, and Kaori Asô in key roles.
Is A Tale of Happiness (1988) worth watching?
With its blend of drama and comedy, *A Tale of Happiness* offers a thoughtful, if unconventional, take on modern relationships. While not a mainstream hit, it's a rewarding watch for fans of character-driven cinema who appreciate subtle storytelling and atmospheric tension.
How long is A Tale of Happiness?
The film runs for 89 minutes.
About A Tale of Happiness (1988) — A Japanese Drama-Comedy on Isolation and Desire
In Yōichi Higashi's quietly provocative 1988 drama-comedy *A Tale of Happiness*, a weary department manager escapes the pressures of corporate life by purchasing a small apartment where he meets a younger woman for weekly trysts. What begins as a transactional arrangement unfolds into an unexpected exploration of solitude, desire, and fleeting connections. Set against the backdrop of late-80s Japan, the film balances sharp social observation with dry humor, painting a portrait of modern relationships where intimacy is measured in rented minutes rather than emotional bonds.
Maiko Kawakami and Minori Terada anchor the story with understated performances, grounding the film's delicate balance between seduction and melancholy. The narrative pivots on themes of escapism and the fragility of human connections, wrapped in the director's signature blend of realism and subtle satire. Clocking in at just 89 minutes, *A Tale of Happiness* is a concise yet layered experience—perfect for fans of character-driven cinema that lingers long after the final scene.