The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat
A boy’s coming-of-age unfolds against the concealed wounds and changing traditions of a Japanese family observed over a quarter century.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- melancholic
- intimate
- reflective
- quiet evening
- reflective weekend
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The plot follows a traditional Japanese family across approximately twenty-five years, beginning in 1988.
Yamabuki grows up in a traditional family where every member carries personal problems and secrets.
The overview emphasizes the problems and secrets of every family member rather than a single isolated conflict.
Films like The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat, and why
Still Walking
shared Japanese family drama, intergenerational tension, restrained emotional tone, and domestic secrets
Tokyo Story
shared multigenerational family portrait, traditional household setting, contemplative pacing, and bittersweet humanism
Shoplifters
shared Japanese domestic drama, hidden family histories, emotional intimacy, and concern with unconventional family bonds
Movie Details
- Director
- Yukihiro Morigaki
- Release Date
- 2026-01-09
- Runtime
- 125 min
- Rating
- 3.0 / 10 (1)
Cast
- Mahiro Takasugi
- Marika Ito
- Mai Fukagawa
- Yuko Ando
- Yuka Kouri
- Hiccorohee
- Sawa Suzuki
- Ken Yasuda
- Kimiko Yo
- Akira Emoto
Common questions
- What is The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat about?
- A boy’s coming-of-age unfolds against the concealed wounds and changing traditions of a Japanese family observed over a quarter century.
- What is The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat.
- Which films are like The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat?
- Films with a similar feel include Still Walking, Tokyo Story, and Shoplifters.
- How long is The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat?
- The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat runs 125 minutes.
