Japanese Movies

[Pasjonsfrukt]

I apologize if a thread similar to this has been made before, but I was wondering if any of you guys have any suggestions to good japanese movies? I have seen Battle Royale, the Death Note movies (which were a bit disappointing imo), 20th Century Boys and Okuribito. I would like to see some more, so it would be great if you could list some of your favorites!

[chiklit]

My favorite are Tokyo Sonata and Daremo Shiranai

[Lexii]

Over the past few years, as part of my Japanese studies, I've rented several Japanese movies. In addition to simply giving me exposure to the language (much of it modern-day usage), I rate them on story, character development, cinematography and all that good stuff. Here is a list of some I've thoroughly enjoyed, would happily watch again and would recommend to others:

Departures -- A newly unemployed classical cellist returns to his hometown to start a new, rather non-traditional career.

Densha Otoko -- A shy, somewhat geeky fellow has a chance encounter on the train and seeks advice from online pals.

Twilight Samurai -- Yes, he's a samurai, but more-so, he's a devoted father, loving son, grieving widower and he is torn.

Premonition -- (NOT the Sandra Bullock thing) Newspapers are reporting disturbing events which have not happened. Yet...

Nobody Knows -- 12-year-old must parent his three younger siblings when mom basically abandons them in the apartment.

Paprika -- Futuristic anime about a clash between dreams and reality, psychology and technology.

The Great Happiness Space -- Documentary about Host Clubs.

I've rented many (many) more, but, off the top of my head, these are some I'd recommend (almost) without hesitation. Just one caveat -- if action-oriented flicks are more to your liking, these may not be your cuppa tea.

Oh, and Chiklit, Tokyo Sonata is already in my queue -- I can't wait to see it and am glad you recommend it!

[chiklit]

I just watched Still Walking last night, it's by the same director as Daremo Shiranai/Nobody Knows, Hirokazu Koreeda, and is a really nice movie. Sort of in the same vein as Tokyo Sonata in it's slow and subtle portrayal of a dysfunctional family, and it's currently available on Netflix streaming in HD.

[Lexii]

I just watched Still Walking last night...

Heh it's also in my queue! Looks like you and I have some of the same tastes! And I have loads more quality watching to do!

[chiklit]

I like how understated those sorts of movies are. The movie just sort of gets out of the way and lets the story be told, like how you have entire scenes of dialog where it's just a single 8 minute long take of the family talking around the table and the camera never moves or changes. And how the movie just sort of ends, not the standard "And they lived happily ever after" ending but just a "Ok, we're going to stop watching now" ending that implies that the story itself doesn't end just the part we get to see does.

Also, if you look at my Netflix queue, probably 95% of the movies on there are documentaries, so it's probably not surprising that of the few scripted movies I do like, it's the kind that are just glimpses into people's lives like these.

[Lexii]

Just finished Still Walking. I agree with everything you've said about it, Chiklit. I'd also add that, although the language and culture is Japanese, the themes are universal. I think we'd be hard pressed to find anyone, anywhere who doesn't know at least one of these characters in his/her real life (or in their real family, for that matter). Well done, yet quiet little film. Loved it!

[patrrrrrick]

All the movies I like were mentioned. HOWEVER, I will tell you what NOT to watch. Machine Girl. Sooooo cheesy and the graphics are horrible! Good when you want to watch those kinds of movies LOL