I make it my hobby to scan the wide variety of films Japan has to offer. Since my early animation days I was locked in a trance of amazement, but that faded, as do most things in childhood. But then came along ‘All About Lily Chou Chou’, which relit my fire and passion for all things Japanese. This filmed called me to watch it! Prior to watching the film, I was on a lunch break at work and someone had left the metro paper on the table. Usually, I wouldn’t sit down to look at it - but something inside propelled me to skim through it and look at the latest cinema releases. The title of the film and short description drew me in.

Japanese films are uniquely different from Western cinema. There is a real essence of understanding a persons’ psyche. The relationship between ones’ emotions, the people around them, and nature seem to be an ever-present symbol/theme in Japanese movies. From each film, I learn something new about life or Japan in general. In many of the films that I have seen, the shots taken speak for themselves, and then of course the tightly written scripts, which embody wisdom, knowledge and philosophy, are wonderful.

There may be films here that you have seen and many that you have not. But believe me when I say this, ‘each and every film listed below is well worth watching’ - and have influenced me in some way. Hence, these are my thirty most favourite Japanese films to date. They are in alphabetical order, not in order of my most favourite. As each film is uniquely different and of a different genre,
I would not be doing any of the films listed below any justice by listing them in order of preference.

1. Akira、アキラ 1988

Katsuhiro Otomo produces undoubtedly the most influential anime film ever made. The success of Akira led to an increase in popularity in Japanese animation in the West. It was also a revolutionary anime in the sense that Otomo introduced a highly detailed film with angles and animation never used before.

2. All About Lily Chou Chou、リリイシュシュのすべて 2001

Iwai Shunji’s groundbreaking and provocative movie about Japanese teenage life, is perhaps one of the best films you can watch, simply because of the hypnotic soundtrack by Salyu, beautiful cinema photography, directing, and its delicate approach to serious issues.

3. Battle Royale, バトル・ロワイアル 2000

A truly shocking film, which caused controversy in Japan. Kinji Fukasaku depicts a time where students show no respect for authority, and therefore the government introduces a game: Battle Royale. This is where a class of students are taken to an island against their will and provided with weaponary and made to kill each other until only one is left. A classic film and good for a laugh.

4. Be With You, いま、会いにゆきます 2004

A fantasy like love film, which is very heart-warming and emotional. Nobuhiro Doi magically deals with the issue or lost and found love. Accompanied by a beautiful sound track, Be With You will affect you and stay in your heart for a long time.

5. Death Note, the movie 1 & 2 (last name)、デスノート 2006

Adapted from the famous anime and manga by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, Death Note is one of the best anime and manga ever made. From the cat and mouse storyline and beautiful illustration, each page and anime episode has you hooked and eagerly waiting for more. Shusuke Kaneko who sticks to the original story pretty well directs the live action movies. All that can be and should be said is that when Yagami Light finds a notebook, which if he writes someone’s name inside, they will die - his life changes forever.

6. Dolls ドールズ 2002

One of Takeshi Kitano’s best films simply for its beautiful scenery, costumes and photography. It is also the only film Kitano does not feature in, unlike his other movies. 'Dolls' is a symbolic movie, which comprises a mergence of three stories adapted in Bunraku theatre style. 'Dolls' is utterly beautiful.

7. Ghost in the Shell 1 & 2 (innocence) 攻殻機動隊 1995, 2004

Directed by Mamoru Oshii, both Ghost in the Shell movies are combined with beautiful animation, deep philosophical storylines, and wonderfully haunting music by Kawai Kenji. Ghost in the Shell along with Akira have proved to be the underlying influence of the Matrix trilogy starring Keanu Reeves. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, is a must see!

8. Grave of the Fireflies 火垂るの墓 1988

Most definitely one of the most powerful anti-war films made to date. Directed by Isao Takahata, it focuses on an orphaned brother and sisters’ struggle to survive towards the end of World War II. Made under Studio Ghibili, Grave of the Fireflies will affect you deeply.

9. Gohatto (taboo) 御法度 1999

Sozaburo Kano a member of the Shinsengumi causes tension upon his arrival. Director Nagisa Oshima focuses on the power and lustful struggles between men within the Shinsengumi group. A film well worth watching, which also stars Takeshi Kitano, and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

10. I Just Didn’t Do It、それでも、僕はやってない 2007

I just didn’t do it is the first film directed by Masayuki Suo in over 10 years, best known for his 1996 hit "Shall We Dansu?" (Shall We Dance?). The film takes a critical look at how Japanese courts deal with the societal problem of "chikan," (men who use the anonymity of crowded trains to grope women, particularly high-school female students). The film creates anger in its viewers and without all the glamorised music could be easily viewed as a documentary. A very powerful film!

11. Ikiru (to live)、生きる 1952

Directed by Akira Kurosawa, Ikiru (to live) is one of Kurosawa’s best films. When the protagonist of Ikiru learns he has gastric cancer and less than a year to live, he rapidly changes his living habits and questions his life. Ikiru is a very reflective and emotional film.

12. Kikujiro、 菊次郎の夏 1999

Another wonderful film by Takeshi Kitano, which tells the story of Kikujiro, a young boy searching for his mother on his summer holiday. This film is both funny and sad, and provides entertainment throughout. Joe Hisaishi provides beautiful music for a truly memorable film.

13. My Neighbour Totoro、となりのトトロ 1988

From the acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, Tonari no Totoro is a beautiful children’s story about Mei, her sister Satsuki, and the tree spirit Totoro, the keeper of the forest. Prepare yourself for a magical journey filled with expanded imagination, humour and love.

14. My Neighbours the Yamada’s 、 ホーホケキョとなりの山田くん 1999

Another film by Isao Takahata plants itself in the top 30 list. Though Isao had you crying in Grave of the Fireflies, he will have you laughing your socks off in this wonderful film, which focuses on an ordinary family within Japanese society.

15. Naruto the movie 2、ナルト 2005

Directed by Hirotsugu Kawasaki, Naruto the Movie 2 was a big hit in Japan following the success of the first movie. The movie is adapted from the very popular manga (by Masashi Kishimoto), and has also been adapted into an ongoing TV series. The second movie appears in this list simply because the action and story line is much better than the first movie and is definitely an anime worth watching, especially for children.

16. Ninja Scroll, 獣兵衛忍風帖 1993

Yoshiaki Kawajiri brings to you one of the best action-thriller animes ever made. Watch Ninjas fight mythological creatures in one of the most popular animes in the Western market.

17. Nobody Knows、誰も知らない 2004

Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, Dare mo shiranai (Nobody Knows) is based on a true story, where by four children are abandoned by their mother and left to look after each other. Yuya Yagira, who plays Akira, won "Best Actor Award" at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

18. Picnic、ピクニック 1996

Three mental patients escape from captivity and embark on a journey to see the ending of the world. Second to All About Lily Chou Chou, this is without a doubt one of Iwai Shunji’s finer works.

19. Ping Pong、ピンポン 2002

Definitely one of the funniest and most entertaining Japanese movies made. Ping Pong, directed by Fumihiko Sori is a story about two friends and as you guessed the sport of ping-pong. The film follows Peco, who is arrogant and talented and his friend Smile who has no interest in playing Ping Pong for competitions is equally talented.

20. Princess Mononoke、もののけ姫 1997

Another gem from director Hayao Miyazaki. Princess Mononoke tells the story of Ashitaka, a boy who has been cursed by a demon. Ashitaka has to embark on a journey where he fights, samurai and demon gods. And along the way he meets Princess Mononoke, who lives with the wolves. This film has been wonderfully blessed with Miyazaki’s limitless imagination.

21. Shinning Boy and Little Randy、星になった少年 2005

Yuya Yagira (Nobody Knows) plays another memorable and convincing role. This time he plays Tetsumu, a young boy who can talk to elephants and thus embarks on a journey to Thailand and back to train with elephants. Based on a true story - this is a very entertaining and emotional film.

22. Shouting/Crying Out Love, In the Centre of the World、世界の中心で、愛を叫ぶ 2004

Directed by Isao Yukisada, this is a very sad film and one worth watching. Two teenagers fell in love, and exchanged their secrets and feelings by sending tape recordings to each other. A decade later, the boy (now grown-up) rediscovers the last recording of his long-dead lover's voice. Her words trigger a series of flashbacks.

23. Spirited Away、千と千尋の神隠し 2001

Perhaps the most famous animation by writer/director Hayao Miyazaki. Spirited Away won an array of awards and if you watch it you can see why. Miiyazaki’s surpasses his own imagination in a film that will keep the family entertained for years to come. Follow Sen who has been spirited away into a magical world where she has to find work in order to stop herself disappearing and to save her parents. 

24. Steamboy, スチームボーイ 2004

Katsuhiro Otomo, the director of Akira brings to you Steamboy. The most expensive Japanese animation ever made in Japan. Again, Otomo takes what can be done with animation to a new level. Follow Ray Steam and his battle to save London from destruction.

25. The Ring、リング 1998

Naturally, at least one horror movie had to make its way into the top 30 film list. Hideo Nakata brings on part one of the best Japanese horror-mystery films ever made, both in Japan and in the West. Let’s not spoil the movie ? so all that can be said is watch out for Sadako, the vengeful spirit.

26. Tokyo Godfathers, 東京ゴッドファーザーズ 2003

Satashi Kon, famous for his psychological movie Perfect Blue, and anime series Paranoia Agent, brings Tokyo Godfathers. This film is absolutely hilarious! A newborn baby is abandoned on the streets and is found by three homeless people (a run-away girl, a middle-aged man, and a transvestite), thus the adventure begins.

27. Toni Takitani、トニー滝谷 2004

The protagonist, Tony, because of the oddity of his name and experiences feels like a total outsider to his own Japanese culture, and lives in a life of Solitude. The film is based on a book by one of my favourite writers, Haruki Murakami, and the background music is by Ryuichi Sakamoto, one of my favourite composers. A wonderfully symbolic film by Jun Ichikawa.

28. Twilight Samurai, たそがれ清兵衛 2002

Directed by Yoji Yamada, Twilight Samurai follows Seibei Iguchi, a poor samurai who unusually is happy and has a concern for his own life, two daughters and senile mother, which is not very samurai-like. Twilight Samurai is the winner of many awards and rightly so.

29. When the Last Sword is Drawn、 壬生義士伝 2003

Directed by Yojiro Takita, Mibu gishi den (When the last sword is drawn) is a stunning and truly beautiful film about friendship, poverty, patriarchy and love. It is based around the time of the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. A must see!

30. Zatoichi、 座頭市 2003

Yet another masterpiece from Takeshi Kitano makes its way in the top 30 list and rightly so.  Zatoichi, known as the blind swordsman seeks to help liberate a small town, which has been taken over by two large gangs. This film produces some very beautiful and entertaining fighting scenes along with a very interesting and unexpected ending.

 

To read in Japanese, click here(この記事を日本語で読む）

 

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