Alibis for Happiness

Alibis for Happiness is a quirky 2016 comedy that weaves together the lives of ordinary people caught in the whirlwind of ceremonial occasions, revealing how personal conflicts can unravel amidst the rituals of life and death. The film centers around an unsuspecting undertaker who unwittingly hosts a funeral for a yakuza member, setting off a chain reaction of family disputes over the deceased's will. As relatives bicker and jockey for attention, the film highlights the absurdity of familial expectations and the chaos that often accompanies significant life events.

Among the colorful cast of characters is a rebellious son determined to don a long jacket typically associated with bousouzoku biker gangs at his coming-of-age ceremony, much to his parents' dismay. His struggle for identity is paralleled by a husband grappling with the fallout of an unexpected pregnancy and the ire of his furious father-in-law. Meanwhile, a freeter man finds himself in a comedic showdown with a professional baseball player, all in the name of love. With its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, Alibis for Happiness offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of relationships and the sometimes ridiculous lengths we go to for acceptance and happiness.