PetarB Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 I few years ago I watched a lot of Akira Kurosawa movies. Recently i've realised that beyond some anime and samurai movies, I have not seen too many other Japanese movies. I saw this list here: http://japanverse.com/2013/03/which-japanese-films-are-a-must-see/ Does anyone have anything else to add, or their own opinions on this list? Most of these movies sound intriguing in their own way. Quote
Duke Togo Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 It doesn't have any of the films in Yoji Yamada's "Samurai Trilogy" on the list, so I cannot take it seriously. Especially The Twilight Samurai. Quote
antibiotictab Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 (edited) Oh, you watched Detroit Metal City? It is must-see. So fun ,so I like it so much! And as I said before, Gene Simmons appears in the movie, but not just a cameo. He acts a very important character. Moreover, the heroine of the movie is Rosa Kato! EXO, you gotta watch it! Go to DMC! lolAnd "The Incite Mill," oh! the theme song of the movie, "Shinjite Miru" was sung by May'n. Did you notice that? I recommend it for May'n's fans here. Basically I like amusing movies.How about "THERMAE ROMAE?" A Roman in the Five Good Emperors' era comes to modern Japan. So funny.And I recently watched 「探偵はBARにいる」"Tantei ha Bar ni Iru"; "The Detectives Are in the Bar." It was so good.I don't like Takeshi Kitano's movies except "Zatoichi." Edited March 13, 2013 by antibiotictab Quote
treatment Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 I few years ago I watched a lot of Akira Kurosawa movies. Recently i've realised that beyond some anime and samurai movies, I have not seen too many other Japanese movies. I saw this list here: http://japanverse.com/2013/03/which-japanese-films-are-a-must-see/ Does anyone have anything else to add, or their own opinions on this list? Most of these movies sound intriguing in their own way. The film selections from that site have a bit of questionable "must-see" quality, imho. fwiw, I got a bunch of Ozu collectors-set stuff that are must-see japanese movies, but will most likely bore you to death if you're neither a film-buff or a film-student. Besides, my parents have all 'em right now, so I can't take pics of 'em. At any rate, here are some must-see criterion stuff that I haven't given to my folks, yet: However, if you're just looking for some nice japanese films to watch, here are some enjoyable contemporary japanese films that you can still get via amzn (or possibly netflix): I don't have the One Million Yen Girl, yet, since I haven't seen a subtitled-version, yet. Quote
EXO Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Oh, you watched Detroit Metal City? It is must-see. So fun ,so I like it so much! And as I said before, Gene Simmons appears in the movie, but not just a cameo. He acts a very important character. Moreover, the heroine of the movie is Rosa Kato! EXO, you gotta watch it! Go to DMC! lol Watch it??? I bought it! lol. Thanks ABT!!! Quote
Gubaba Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 I think my favorite semi-recent Japanese film is 1997's Swallowtail Butterfly, directed by Shunji Iwai. It's a really strange but engrossing movie, kinda SF, kinda not, about an unspecified time when Japan has the most powerful currency in the world. Hence, many people come to Japan to make a little money, so they can go back home and be rich. The themes cover immigration, racism, rock (the music is the film is stunningly good), counterfeiting, tattoos, Frank Sinatra, prostitution, the yakuza, cassette tapes in people's stomachs, and having one's jaw ripped off by a shotgun blast. It's funny one minute, ultraviolent the next, then heartbreakingly sweet or sad. It's not flawless (at two and a half hours, it feels a little overlong), but it's still an amazing film. Unfortunately, I don't think it's ever been released in the west, but the Japanese edition has English subs on it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhSa3aiN_DE Quote
taksraven Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 I really enjoyed this in the cinema, even though the rest of my treacherous group went to see "Can't Hardly Wait", and people were storming out of this because of the violence..... Quote
Gubaba Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 I really enjoyed this in the cinema, even though the rest of my treacherous group went to see "Can't Hardly Wait", and people were storming out of this because of the violence..... Audition Yeah, both of those are pretty stellar, too. Quote
Major Focker Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 (edited) there was this japanese movie i caught on the plane which i wanted to get on DVD or BD but i forgot to take note of the title. so maybe someone will recognize it and let me know. - plot revolves around 4 women and how their lives interconnected through their city's commuter trains. - one woman was trying to come to grips with losing her fiance who got seduced by another and is now invited to their wedding. she shows up at the wedding wearing red and basically upstaging the bride. - on one of her train journeys, she meets a mild mannered older lady who gives her advice. this old lady also has her troubles, not the least of which is trying to blend with a trio of other madames who are a pretentious and obnoxious bunch. - the next woman is younger (20's) who's stuck with a good for nothing boyfriend - the last is a young girl but i can't remember what her issues were. maybe about being accepted in school, or fear of travelling alone IIRC, the title has some reference to seasons or spring or summer. any leads appreciated. thanks edit: just read the article and..... Shinobi? seriously? that was my most regrettable BD purchase Edited March 13, 2013 by Major Focker Quote
Yuling Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 It doesn't have any of the films in Yoji Yamada's "Samurai Trilogy" on the list, so I cannot take it seriously. Especially The Twilight Samurai. Well, did you read the website? They specifically said movies "within the last 10 years". That would obviously exclude the Samurai Trilogy. Quote
Gubaba Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Well, did you read the website? They specifically said movies "within the last 10 years". That would obviously exclude the Samurai Trilogy. Samurai Trilogy is timeless. Quote
Jefuemon Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 GO TO DMC!!! GO TO DMC!!! (check out my signature) Couple of notable omissions I noticed. There are no Itami Juzo films (Tanpopo, Marusa no Onna 1 and 2, Minbo no Onna to name a few), and no Kouki Mitani films (Radio no Jikan, The Magic Hour). Both of them are really good comedic film makers. Itami's are more satire of Japanese culture, while Mitani's have sweeping casts of big-name stars in farcical situations. Quote
Vepariga Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 I would add (that hasnt been mentioned already) Lone Wolf and Cub series Lady Snowblood Twilight Samurai Love and Honour The Hidden Blade Sword Of Desperation When The Last Sword Is Drawn Ringu Ju-on Sister Streetfighter series 47 Ronin SPL Fukuro no shiro most are samurai ones lol Quote
Gubaba Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 (edited) GO TO DMC!!! GO TO DMC!!! (check out my signature) Couple of notable omissions I noticed. There are no Itami Juzo films (Tanpopo, Marusa no Onna 1 and 2, Minbo no Onna to name a few), and no Kouki Mitani films (Radio no Jikan, The Magic Hour). Both of them are really good comedic film makers. Itami's are more satire of Japanese culture, while Mitani's have sweeping casts of big-name stars in farcical situations. Yeah, Tampopo is also one of my all-time favorite movies. I still eat ramen like this: (Several of my friends have asked, "Why do you say 'Ato de ne'?" ...which just gives me an opportunity to show them the movie.) EDIT: And oh, hey, look! It's Ken Watanabe when he still had hair! Edited March 13, 2013 by Gubaba Quote
renegadeleader1 Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 The original Gojira is always worth watching as a monster movie classic. I also liked several of Kurosawa's films like Kagemusha, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, and Ran. Seven Samurai I thought was okay, and I really want to see Throne of Blood, as I enjoy seeing all the different takes on Macbeth. I do have a curious question though, Is the war film Letters from Iwo Jima considered Japanese despite being direct by Eastwood? Quote
Duke Togo Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Well, did you read the website? They specifically said movies "within the last 10 years". That would obviously exclude the Samurai Trilogy. They were released in the last 10 years. (Ok, technically, The Twilight Samurai came out 11 years ago, but still...) Quote
antibiotictab Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 (edited) Couple of notable omissions I noticed. There are no Itami Juzo films (Tanpopo, Marusa no Onna 1 and 2, Minbo no Onna to name a few), and no Kouki Mitani films (Radio no Jikan, The Magic Hour). Both of them are really good comedic film makers. Itami's are more satire of Japanese culture, while Mitani's have sweeping casts of big-name stars in farcical situations. My favorite Itami movie is "Marusa no Onna 2." It reveals the dark side of the bubble era in Japan. I experienced that crazy booming economy times, so it is so interesting. And his "Osoushiki"; the Funeral. I recommend both it and Yojiro Takita's "Departures"; Okuribito, which won the 81th Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. I also like his "Onmyoji." Nomura Mansai acts Abeno Seimei. That Seimei was AWESOME... EDIT: And oh, hey, look! It's Ken Watanabe when he still had hair! Yeah, Ken Watanabe was so young! And he had hair at that time because it was before his suffering from leukemia. Edited March 13, 2013 by antibiotictab Quote
Gubaba Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Yeah, Ken Watanabe was so young! And he had hair at that time because it was before his suffering from leukemia. Wow... I didn't know that. I feel crappy now... Quote
Major Focker Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 anthology of movie shorts ranging from weird to dramatic to arty to hilarious: Jam Films Jam Films 2 Jam Films S Quote
UN Spacy Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Not sure if this counts...but I loved it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbV6knbeUFE Quote
Duke Togo Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Not sure if this counts...but I loved it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbV6knbeUFE Excellent doc, and also not on the list. Quote
treatment Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Well, did you read the website? They specifically said movies "within the last 10 years". That would obviously exclude the Samurai Trilogy. Well, let's see. Fujisawa films made so far: Twilight Samurai -- 2002 (Yamada) Hidden Blade -- 2004 (Yamada) Love and Honor -- 2006 (Yamada) Samurai I Loved -- 2005 (Kurotsuchi) Sword of Desperation -- 2010 (Hirayama) Only TS seems to be barely out of that "within the last 10 years" thing... Quote
Gubaba Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Well, let's see. Fujisawa films made so far: Twilight Samurai -- 2002 (Yamada) Hidden Blade -- 2004 (Yamada) Love and Honor -- 2006 (Yamada) Samurai I Loved -- 2005 (Kurotsuchi) Sword of Desperation -- 2010 (Hirayama) Only TS seems to be barely out of that "within the last 10 years" thing... Those are different. We're talking about the films directed by Inagaki in the '50s, starring Toshiro Mifune as Miyamoto Musashi. Quote
Duke Togo Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 Those are different. We're talking about the films directed by Inagaki in the '50s, starring Toshiro Mifune as Miyamoto Musashi. Um, no we aren't. Quote
CoreyD Posted March 13, 2013 Posted March 13, 2013 You need to watch G.I. Samurai. It's like The Final Countdown, but with Japanese Self Defense Force Soldiers. It's also sort of amusing because, unlike most time travel movies, their method of trying to return to their proper time involves screwing up history as much as possible! Ever wanted to watch Samurai get blasted by helicopter gunships? Here's your chance! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083050/ Quote
Dynaman Posted March 14, 2013 Posted March 14, 2013 You need to watch G.I. Samurai. You have to be joking, that is one of the worst movies I've ever seen, it's even too much effort to go mention in the Highlander 2 thread... Quote
Renato Posted March 14, 2013 Posted March 14, 2013 Audition Ugh. Hated that movie... I remember really liking this movie when it came out, though: "August in the Water" 水の中の八月 It's one of those movies which has sci-fi elements, but focuses on daily life rather than the science/supernatural spectacle. Haven't seen it since it came out, though. Here's another high-concept arthouse-y film, this time from Kore'eda, "After Life" (ワンダーフルライフ) My tastes may have changed since the 90s. I'm not sure if I would enjoy these movies now and just look at them as pretentious artsy stuff, but in the 90s I thought they were cool and original. Quote
areaseven Posted March 14, 2013 Posted March 14, 2013 All this talk about "Must-see Japanese Movies", and no one's mentioned Hana to Hebi (花と蛇)? Quote
antibiotictab Posted March 14, 2013 Posted March 14, 2013 (edited) there was this japanese movie i caught on the plane which i wanted to get on DVD or BD but i forgot to take note of the title. so maybe someone will recognize it and let me know. - plot revolves around 4 women and how their lives interconnected through their city's commuter trains. - one woman was trying to come to grips with losing her fiance who got seduced by another and is now invited to their wedding. she shows up at the wedding wearing red and basically upstaging the bride. - on one of her train journeys, she meets a mild mannered older lady who gives her advice. this old lady also has her troubles, not the least of which is trying to blend with a trio of other madames who are a pretentious and obnoxious bunch. - the next woman is younger (20's) who's stuck with a good for nothing boyfriend - the last is a young girl but i can't remember what her issues were. maybe about being accepted in school, or fear of travelling alone IIRC, the title has some reference to seasons or spring or summer. any leads appreciated. thanks edit: just read the article and..... Shinobi? seriously? that was my most regrettable BD purchase http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1703814/ http://hankyudensha-movie.com/ Edited March 14, 2013 by antibiotictab Quote
treatment Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 (edited) just wanna say, Yu Aoi rulz all!!! :wub: :wub: edit: let's try the non-subbed version instead, since the cuts out at 30-secs here at MW-forum, but not from YT. Edited March 15, 2013 by treatment Quote
CoreyD Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 You have to be joking, that is one of the worst movies I've ever seen, it's even too much effort to go mention in the Highlander 2 thread... You must not like campy action films then? Quote
Major Focker Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 (edited) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1703814/ http://hankyudensha-movie.com/ thank you very much! is it OT to mention movies set in Japan but not a Japanese production? eg. Lost in Translation, Black Rain, Wasabi, Hunted if not OT, would love to hear recommendations. Edited March 15, 2013 by Major Focker Quote
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