House on Fire

Year: 1986

Runtime: 133 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Kinji Fukasaku

Drama

Based on Kazuo Dan’s autobiographical manuscript published shortly before his death, the film portrays the tangled existence of a celebrated 1950s novelist. He juggles the demands of his family, a string of affairs with various mistresses, and the relentless pressures of his literary career.

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House on Fire (1986) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of House on Fire (1986), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:40

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Melancholic artist stories like House on Fire

Stories exploring the personal cost and creative struggles of artistic life.Find more movies like House on Fire that explore the turbulent lives of artists and writers. If you enjoyed the introspective look at a novelist juggling family, affairs, and career, you'll appreciate these similar melancholic dramas about the burdens of creative genius.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist whose artistic calling creates tension in their personal relationships and self-identity. The narrative often unfolds as a series of compromises and conflicts, exploring how ambition, passion, and societal expectations collide, leading to a life of introspection and often, regret.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a deep focus on the psychology of the artist, a melancholic and contemplative tone, and a steady, character-driven pacing. They prioritize emotional complexity and moral ambiguity over plot-driven action, resulting in a consistently introspective viewing experience.

Quiet domestic dramas like House on Fire

Character studies where family obligations and secret desires create quiet tension.Discover movies similar to House on Fire that explore the complexities of family life and extramarital affairs. If you liked the steady pacing and dramatic tension of a man balancing his public and private lives, these films offer comparable stories of quiet interpersonal conflict.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern often involves a central character, frequently a patriarch or figurehead, whose double life or secret passions begin to strain the fabric of their family. The story unfolds through intimate conversations and telling gestures, building a portrait of a life divided, where public respectability clashes with private yearning.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a similar vibe through their medium intensity, steady pacing, and focus on the dramatic consequences of personal choices within a family unit. They are united by a melancholic mood and a thematic interest in infidelity, duty, and the gap between social appearance and inner reality.

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Don't stop at just watching — explore House on Fire in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what House on Fire is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

House on Fire Timeline

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Characters, Settings & Themes in House on Fire

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More About House on Fire

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Discover movies like House on Fire that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.