★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

How can a film about alcoholism be funny? This Japanese dark comedy directed by Kenji Katagiri sets out to prove how a delicate blend of realism and deadpan humour can render even the most painful of situations comedic. Based on the online manga by Mariko Kikuchi, this film follows the life of Saki and her relationship to her father’s alcoholism. Antics that begin as funny when she is a young girl become tiring and grating as she reaches adulthood. She and her sister no longer see their dad as fun-loving yet absent, instead viewing him as a painful tether to a life they have long wished to leave behind them.

The film’s quirky humour and unique style definitely make it worth watching. But the downfall comes in the film’s sombre moments where it can’t quite let go of the humour and sober up for a minute. Saki’s disappointment in her father feels out of place in the film’s bright world, disconnecting her from her environment and distancing both her and the audience from the unfolding events. This may be a realistic portrayal of her isolation but it makes it difficult to ride this emotional rollercoaster all the way to the finish. Still, A Life Turned Upside Down is a film that is for the most part strengthened by its bizarre choices and erratic emotions. It’s a story worth watching for those moments alone.

Check out our (slightly more) in depth podcast review + rating below! Podcast music by Brian K.S. Cole.