Oh Jung-min's family drama “House of the Seasons” is something of an analysis of the decline of the family, as the traditions that bring it together also serve to push it apart. But moving at a slow, sleepy pace, its strengths can also act as its weaknesses.

House of the Seasons is screening at Melbourne International Film Festival

The Kims run a family-owned tofu business in rural Daegu. The grandfather Seung-pil (Woo Sang-jeon) having now retired, has handed the business over to the next generation in Tae-geun (Oh Man-seok), who he is far from confident in. Meeting for a Buddhist ceremony, the whole family are gathered once more, with disputes over the quality of their product.

Following the death of the matriarch Mal-nyeo (Son Sook), the family are together once more, emotions leading to further disputes over finances. The shortcomings of each are highlighted, as the more time they spend together,...