Kao de Waratte (1973) — Where to watch: streaming availability & viewing options

First aired: October 5, 1973 Runtime: 55 min Rating: 10.0/10 Drama

Find trailer Streaming

Trailer Details Seasons

#my-video {display:none;}

The official trailer isn’t available yet.
Search for it on YouTube

Kao de Waratte (1973) puts the Drama vibe up front, focused on tone, character beats, and a clean story drive. The pacing is measured, relying on a few strong moments rather than constant escalation. The cast, featuring Momoe Yamaguchi, Mitsuko Baisho, and Ken Utsui, helps keep the story grounded. Ratings sit around 10.0/10, and it will likely land best with viewers who already enjoy the genre. Streaming, rental, and purchase options can change by region and date, check this page for the latest availability.

Kao de Waratte (1973)

Also known as: Smile with Your Face

Score 10

First aired: October 5, 1973 Runtime: 55 min

Cast: Momoe Yamaguchi, Mitsuko Baisho, Ken Utsui

Hanada Surgical Hospital in Kamakura has been in the family's female lineage for over 100 years. Each generation of directors has been an adopted son-in-law, including the current director, Hanada Seiichiro. Perhaps due to his position as an adopted son, he is unable to stand up to his wife, Kiri, daughter, Hideko, and sister-in-law, Tokuko, and is bullied by Chiyo, the former head nurse, nurses, and doctors. When Seiichiro suffers a cerebral hemorrhage, Yamada Daikichi, a surgeon in Tokyo who had a close relationship with Seiichiro's late father, comes to live with the Hanadas, bringing his daughter, Etsuko, a middle school student. Daikichi lost his wife about 10 years ago and has been raising Etsuko alone. At the request of his former teacher, Seiichiro, Daikichi is appointed acting director.