8 Incredible Japanese Films That Deserve More Attention

You might have heard of these, but probably haven't seen them!

With the recent release of Star Wars: Visions, a series set in the Star Wars universe made by a number of different Japanese animation studios, it’s a reminder of how much influence Japanese cinema has on international film.

Disney+

It got me thinking about how varied and underappreciated Japan’s cinema is outside of Anime TV and Studio Ghibli films (but who doesn’t love Spirited Away?).

Studio Ghibli

Here are just 8 films from Japan that should be watched more:

1. Shoplifters (2018) by Hirokazu Kore-eda:

Fuji Television

This one is better known amongst film lovers, as it won the Palme d'Or and almost won an Oscar. A poor family of shoplifters takes in a child they find abandoned. This is arguably one of the cutest (and saddest) films on the list.

2. After Life (1998) also by Hirokazu Kore-eda:

Engine Film

Recently dead people find themselves talking to a social services department in the afterlife. They need to make one decision: pick a memory they want to relive for eternity in their personal heaven. A strange film that is much lighter than it sounds.

3. Pulse (2001) by Kiyoshi Kurosawa:

Toho

Honestly, the IMDB synopsis is perfect. "Two groups of people discover evidence that suggests spirits may be trying to invade the human world through the Internet." Far better than the American remake, the original is a strange horror film way ahead of its time.

4. Millennium Actress (2001) by Satoshi Kon:

KlockWorx

A famous retired actress who has remained outside of the public eye is interviewed for the first time in years. The interviewer and his cameraman learn about her life through her films, which is presented to us as an epic tale throughout time.

5. Dark Water (2002) by Hideo Nakata:

Toho

A single mother and her daughter move into a rundown apartment. A leak in the ceiling won’t go away as it keeps spreading and something —  or someone — in the apartment begins to harass them. This one is by the director of the original Ring (Ringu) and whilst not as outright scary, it is very atmospheric.

6. Only Yesterday (1991) by Isao Takahata:

Studio Ghibli

Ok this one is cheating because it is a Studio Ghibli film, but it is very different from the others. Office worker Taeko makes a trip to the countryside to work on a farm and reminisces over her life. Disney refused to distribute it because of one scene where two girls talk about having their periods (?!)

7. Love Letter (1995) by Shunji Iwai:

Fuji TV

A woman sends a letter to her dead fiance's address. What returns is a letter from a woman who now lives there. No, it's not a horror film, it’s a feel-good film and it’s wintery cinematography is gorgeous.

8. And The Hidden Fortress (1958) by Akira Kurosawa

Toho

"Lured by gold, two greedy peasants unknowingly escort a princess and her general across enemy lines." Does this IMDB description sound familiar? That's because George Luca's said it directly inspired him to make the original Star Wars. Inspired or straight-up copied, it's interesting to see how closely the films align in this great video.

In fact, here's a video comparing The Hidden Fortress with Star Wars:

youtube.com

Are there any Japanese films you recommend, or have you seen any of these? Let me know in the comments below!