Many of these Japanese movies are available to buy online, so where possible we have provided a link. If you do buy through these links we may receive a commission at no cost to you. Based on the novel of the same name, Paprika is an Japanese animation classic, even jumping across the Pacific Ocean to gain popularity in the U. The science-fiction psychological thriller is a dizzying daydream that catapults you into a waking nightmare in a matter of seconds. The plot thickens when the devices used to enter her patients dreams are stolen, and consequently used for much more insidious means. Paprika explores the far out corners of her patients whimsical and terrifying dreams in order to prevent the citizens of Japan from completely losing their minds and sense of self. Directed by the late Satoshi Kon, animator and skilled artist in all things dream-like, Paprika was made with the intention of blurring the lines between fact and fiction. In contrast to Disney cartoons, and other forms of animation that often lays the foundations for viewers to happily escape reality, directors like Satoshi Kon aimed for something different. There is no limit to the imagination that exudes from movies like Paprika, but perhaps its most evocative element is its connection to reality; a dysfunctional dreamworld that can still be manipulated by whoever holds the means of entering it from the real one. Paprika - Available at Amazon.
It's #ultimatefoodporn with these movies all about Japanese cuisine
Locally produced, binge-worthy titles to add to your watch list
So, you name it, Tampopo has it: food obviously , drama, violence, sex, inspiration and unfortunately a couple of unethical scenes. An open heart is all you need. Have you tried a dorayaki sweet bean-filled pancake yet? If not, watching An will make you want to. This is the touching story of an uncommon friendship between a lonely male confectioner, a 76 year-old-woman and a high school girl. It is dare I say it a sweet and simple story told with plenty of heart. Watch for Japan-only quirks, kawaii cute animations and a big pinch of magic. If your self-restraint has kept you from licking the screen so far, this film will break it.
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Despite some major issues in the Japanese movie industry, mostly having to do with the lack of a middle ground between independent and blockbuster movies and continuous denial of some major companies to allow their movies to screen outside Japan, has been quite a good year for local cinema. The international festival circuit gave a lot of films the opportunity to both screen and find some source of funding outside Japan, while creativity despite the fact that it derives from manga and novels mostly remains one of the most significant traits of Japanese cinema. Without further ado, here are the best Japanese films of , in reverse order, with the focus being, as always, on diversity. Some films may have premiered in , but since they mostly circulated in , we decided to include them. By clicking on the title, you can read the full review of the film. At the same time, one could say that the film also deals with four different kinds of people connected with the island: The ones who stay there, the ones who just visit, the ones who return, and the ones who leave. Through these different kinds of people, Kishimoto highlights the impact the island and in essence all remote areas has on people. And while the permeating sense is one of hopefulness, there is also a sense of bitterness for the fact that most people, and particularly the young, want to leave and move to the urban centers. Panos Kotzathanasis. Definitely one of the best indie films of the year.
In that fashion, a couple of new filmmakers filled with potential made their appearance; Takashi Miike continued to prove that he is the best director in adapting manga; Sion Sono returned to his exploitation roots once more with great results; and Sunao Katabuchi gave us a great anime, which seems to take a different approach to the medium, both technically and in theme. Some films may have premiered in , but since this occurred at the end of the year, I took the liberty of including them. With a focus on diversity, here are the 10 best Japanese films of The introductory scene immediately sets the rather unusual tone of the film. Fumiko Tashiro is going up on an exterior elevator when she witnesses a red umbrella flying outside the skyscraper she ascends. Some moments later, she is leaving the building and the same umbrella crashes in front of her on the street. The event alarms her and a passerby, who turns out to be Ryota Saeki, an old acquaintance from college. The story then flashes forward a year later when the two of them are engaged and have started living together. However, Ryota has been hiding a secret from her all this time: he has the ability to see ghosts, in a trait he does not understand and has made him somewhat neurotic. As time passes, his psychological status worsens and jeopardizes both his upcoming marriage and his work in a warehouse.
