Japanese Cinema is rich and varied. Anime, Kaiju (monster films), Jidaigeki (movies set during the Edo Period or before), J-Horror, and Yakuza films. Whatever your taste may be, chances are you can find something you’ll like in Japanese movies.
Spanning almost one years, Japan has one of the longest film history in the world. From the introduction of the first Japanese film shown in America, the 1956 Godzilla: King of Monsters!, to the 2022 Oscar-winning Drive My Car, Japanese Cinema has proven to be a great influence on Asian and Western films.
Whether you are a casual viewer of Japanese movies, or an avid fan of Asian cinema, the following films gives a glimpse into the world of early Japanese filmmaking, from famed director Shohei Imamura, and his cinematic masterpiece The Ballad of Narayama, to the epic historical drama, Ran.
So sit back, grab the popcorn, and enjoy the beauty of these quintessential movies.
Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
1. The Ballad of Narayama (1983)
The Ballad of Narayama
Toei Co. Ltd./Umbrella Entertainment
What’s It About: In the 19th Century Japan, according to tradition in a rural viaalge, when a person reaches the age of seventy, he or she must travel to a remote mountain and die of starvation. A common practice called ubasute. Orin is sixty-nine years old and the upcoming winter, it is her turn to go to the mountain. She spends the year making arrangements for her family. One of Orin’s main focus before her departure, is to help her son find a wife.
Starring: Ken Ogata, Sumiko Sakamoto, Aki Takejo
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV
Directed By: Shohei Imamura
Watch The Trailer Here:
2.Floating Weeds (1959)
Floating Weeds
Daiei Film
What’s It About: At a seaside town on the Inland Sea, a travelling troupe arrive by ship. Komajuro Arashi, the oldest member of the group wants to go and visit an old flame, Oyoshi and their son, Kiyoshi. Kyoshi was raised to belive Komajuro was his uncle. Sumiko is the lead actress in the group, when she learns Kumajuro is going to see his ex-girlfriend, she gets jealous. Sumiko decides to get revenge, and finds a young actress named Kayo. She wants Kayo to seduce Kiyoshi. Soon the family begins to fight among themselves and the truth about Kiyoshi and Komajuro’s realtionship finally comes to light.
Starring: Nakamura Ganjiro II, Machiko Kyo, Koji Mitsui
Where To Watch: HBO Max
Directed By: Yasujiro Ozu
Watch The Trailer Here:
3.House (1977)
What’s It About: When Oshare’s father returns from Italy with a new wife, she becomes upset. Her mother only passed away a few years ago. Oshare writes a letter to her Aunt asking if she can come and visit. Her aunt agrees and Oshare plans a trip with six of her friends. However, the girls are unaware of the secret of the house. It’s haunted. When they arrive at the house, crazy events starts taking place and the girls slowly start disappearing one by one. The remaining girls trying to figure out what is causing all of the madess.
Starring: Miki Jinbo, Ai Matsubara, Kimiko Ikegami
Where To Watch: HBO Max
Directed By: Nobuhiko Obayashi
Watch The Trailer Here:
4.Lady Snowblood (1973)
Lady Snowblood
Toho
What’s It About: Based off the manga Lady Snowblood by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura. Yuki was born in a prison. Her family as brutalized by a gang of swindlers and her mother managed to kill one of them in the process. Her only wish is for her only daughter to be raised as an assassin, before she passes away while still in prison. Yuki, now twenty, goes by the assassin name Shurayuki-hime. She confronts a man called Matsuemon, and demands he tell her where to find her family’s remaining tormentors. Will Lady Snowblood be successful in avenging her family’s name?
Starring: Meiko Kaji, Akira Nishimura, Masaaki Daimon
Where To Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV
Directed By: Toshiya Fujita
Watch The Trailer Here:
5.Ran (1985)
What’s It About: Hidetora Ichimonji is a Japanese Warlord. He decides it is time for him to retire. He wants to divide his kingdom among his three sons: Taro, Jiro, Saburo. The two oldest sons agree with what their father wants. Saburo, however, disagrees, and he gets banished by his father. When Hidetora starts his retirement, he soon comes to realize that his two oldest sons are selfish and will soon break their promises to him. Only the youngest son, Saburo, can stop the war between the family.
Starring: Tatsuya Nakadai, Mieko Harada, Daisuke Ryu
Where To Watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play Movies & TV
Directed By: Akira Kurosawa
Watch The Trailer Here:
