This is a superb film and like many such Japanese films of the 70s, quite unknown too. The story is about Tateo, a young 20-year old, who finds the village he lives in almost unbearable. His mother clings on to him unlike how she allowed her husband stray away from her. The film builds the relationships in the many characters of the village with humour. Tateo is at the center of much of this and he grows with the story. The madness in the film suddenly transforms itself into something much more poignant as if mimicking one of its own characters. Some of the characters grow on you, and you end up changing your opinion about them as the story goes on. A very intriguing film and a must watch.