The Brothers Kitaura

Critics’ Picks closing film “The Brothers Kitaura” is, like our opening film, a dark comedy about death. In this case though, it’s not about killing yourself but killing your father. 40-year-old Sota Kitaura lives at home with his father. During a fight, Sota accidentally kills his father. Not knowing what to do, he calls his younger brother Akira for help and what ensues is perfect chaos with many references to Hitchcock’s funniest film “The Trouble with Harry” (1955). As if a dead father was not enough, Akira ends up also killing Uncle Daisuke.

Directed by Masaki Tsujino, The Brothers Kitaura leans on a strong ensemble — Masaaki Nakano, Hirota Otsuka, Taka Takao — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2025.