Tanoshiki Kana Jinsei (1944)

"Go forward with a clear heart like the blue sky"

This Happy Life was a propaganda film that felt like it drew from the much later films Mary Poppins (1964) and Chocolat (2000). Naruse Mikio wove a magical tale of a family who moved into a small community and spread their creative brand of happiness.

During WWII a small town’s citizens grumble about everyday annoyances. The barrel maker’s hammering gets on people’s nerves. The clock repairman’s clocks won't synchronize. Spouses argue and snipe at each other and nearly everyone is generally cranky. The Soma family moves in and the consensus is that the newcomers are weird. As Soma and his daughters spread their optimism, kindness, and lessons in frugality, a warm change begins to creep over the prickly residents.

This film was a lesson in I-M-A-G-I-N-A-T-I-O-N. And reframing events to put a positive spin on them. Don’t throw those potato peels away—when fried they are a German delicacy. An egg was the embodiment of chicken breasts and filling. Water puddles became a scene of anthropomorphized dancing raindrops. Anything was possible if you put your mind to it. Even the annoying drumming of the barrel maker became the rhythm for an uplifting song.

Given that the film was released in 1944 the writing was on the wall for the Japanese military. This film encouraged people to keep their spirits up, let nothing go to waste, and do what they could to help their country and community. It wasn't overtly patriotic and militaristic, much of the film’s message would have been apropos to the Great Depression or any time of hardship. Except the part about having children to support the population dwindling due to the war.

I enjoy films where an outsider comes to town and gives the people a new perspective on life and helps to heal old wounds and attitudes. (See Chocolat above). While Naruse could be heavy handed at times the film succeeded in encouraging the townsfolk to find the joy around them using a large dose of imagination and gentle humor.

15 July 2026

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