All families have their problems. The difference between a British family’s way of dealing with these problems is to have a shouting match, while in Japan – shown in the film Still Walking, playing at the Watershed until January 28 – there are years of simmering resentment and meaningful silences.

Still Walking, directed by Hirokazu Koreedan, focuses on 24 hours in the life of one family as they come together to remember their eldest son who was killed in an accident 15 years ago.

It is often a claustrophobic film, almost entirely shot within the cramped family home, which has memories for everyone and the constant spectre of the dead son.

This is not a perfect family, far from it, and their faults and foibles come to life through glances, throwaway comments and awkward silences.

Still Walking is a touching, tender and moving film, and is intriguing in so many ways. While offering a glimpse into a foreign and alien culture, its themes of love and family bonds are universal.