Top 10 Must See Suda Masaki Dramas and Movies

Suda Masaki is one of the best young Japanese actors right now. He is young but it doesn't mean he lack experience, his filmography if you check is as long as Nile River. He is known for his versatility as he plays different roles with ease. Most people regard him as an intense actor, the type who would pour all his heart to a role, but his acting is not all shouting and animated gestures, he can act subtly when needed, and most of those roles you can find in his art house movie projects. Also if you want to know why critics considered him one of the best it's not because of his popularity but for the respect he gained from festival judges around the world.

1. 3 Nen A Gumi: Ima kara Mina-san wa, Hitojichi Desu

School drama with insane premise, the Teacher kidnaps his students 10 days before their graduation. As you watch the drama you would ask yourself why he did that, is he insane or is this his method to discipline this group problematic students, but as the story progress his motivation will be clearer. This drama is highly entertaining as every episode ends with a cliffhanger and there are also interesting twists to spice things up.

At first I was a bit worried that Suda could be little younger to play a teacher but it's all gone when I watch episode one. Kudos to his acting, he appears way above his students. This drama is pretty heavy that it's a good avenue for young actors to showcase their talent, but not a single one managed to shine with him in the same picture. He managed to establish his authority early minutes in the drama. This is one of his most intense role and quite possibly his best performance in a Japanese drama.

3 Nen A Gumi: Ima kara Mina-san wa, Hitojichi Desu Review





2. Ah, Wilderness

I like the contrast between the anger expressed by the two lead characters, one is more subdued and the other one is gunblazing wild swinging like a kamikaze figther jet. It seems like a typical inspiring boxing movie at the cover but boxing is just a vehicle used to better show the motivation of these characters, it is a character driven movie.


Wonderfully acted by all the cast, this is the movie where he won best actor and Yang Ik Jun his actor is excellent too. Each characters have their own struggles and quirks that made them memorable. Not an easy to watch film as whole movie was shrouded by the theme of hopelessness; abandoned by parents, speech impediment, sex workers and a society with people committing suicide. It is also not for everyone there are sex scenes and the movie is almost 3 hours long, but that's the appeal of slow burn movie, you just sip it slowly like your hot coffee in the morning.





3. The Light Shines Only There

"The Light Shines Only There" is Suda's first award winning movie. Here in this movie you will see how sad people live their lives, it is a suffocating experience watching them. This movie could be the gloomiest movie you've ever watched but just like the title suggest there that light at the end of the tunnel. It's quite dark and depressing but still there's hope at the end.


He's been in numerous dramas and movies before this movie but this is the one that put him on the radar. He's so impressive; he can act happy and sad in an instance. He is the one who provides the much needed comic relief in this film.





4. Dele

Dele is one of the best mystery dramas with episodic structure. The plot for each episode can work in a movie format, that's how good the writing in this drama. The acting is also great. his acting partner here is none other than Yamada Takayuki. These two chameleon actors just got great rapport, their acting complements each other.

Suda plays the side kick character but he's the one that drive the story since his task is to meet the clients and be involve with their life and secrets. But his character has secrets too that would later be revealed in the later episodes.





5. Tamiou

Tamiou is just a silly drama with original plot, body switching between a prime minister and his dumb son and the way it wrecked their lives is hilarious non-stop lol moments. This drama was not meant to be taken seriously expect from bits of serious moments but overall it is just a wtf-japan type of comedy.

This would be the most exaggerated acting by Suda by far but it's the type of acting requires for this type of show. Everything here is exaggerated, plot, setting, development with cliche message, but this are the types of Japanse drama that aims for zero boring moments and in my opinion this drama nailed it.





6. Love At Least

This movie tackles depression quite deep with the help of a strong performance from the female lead (Shuri) makes this movie such an immersive experience. Even if you haven't experienced being depressed there are elements in this film that will make you experience what it feels, like the very gloomy atmosphere and recurrent black out scenes.


Suda in a more subtle role, not his typical energetic type of roles but it doesn't mean he's less effective, in fact this is one of his best performances in a movie. He compliments well the female lead's more intense performance. Just goes to show that he is also good in a supporting role.

Love At Least Movie Review





7. Drowning Love

Sweet, sad, poetic and provocative, Drowning love is an unconventional romance movie with beautiful cinematography and loud music. It's not your typical shoujo movie filled with cliche this one is more serious and deep.

The love story is like Romeo and juliet starring modern day angsty teenagers. This could also be viewed as a coming of age story. Nana Komatsu and Suda Masaki are two of the most charismatic young actors in Japan and the casting people did a brilliant job casting them in the movie, their looks and acting skills fits their each respective character, but the most important is their chemistry insanely captivating. Suda is brilliant in his part, he captures his character's melancholic side perfectly.





8. Pink and Gray

Directed by Isao Yukisada, "Pink and Gray" a fascinating film that dives deep into entertainment industry. It will give answer to a question, what makes a star? Is talent enough or do you need some form of luck and maybe along the way friends that will support you. This movie also gives you the most original plot twist ever.

It's a character centric movie meaning you have to have strong performances to make it a compelling experience and all the actors not just Suda delivers. Nakajima Kento, Yuya Yagira, Kaho all impressive in this movie.





9. Gintama

Considered by many as the best live action next to Rurouni Kenshin movies, Gintama is the most fun project of him. No need to explain the plot since most are familiar with it, but the only thing I'll say is it really captures the humor of the anime. Well performed by its cast that really looks like the anime characters, even Kanna Hashimoto is very good in this movie.

As for his performance, he plays Shinpachi and his energy here is overflowing. He makes the character very much alive. His comedic timing is on point too, well that also true with the other cast, Oguri Shun and Kanna Hashimoto. Their chemistry is fantastic and in my opinion the best live action casting ever.





10. Princess Jellyfish

Rena Nounen's last appearance in a film but it's not just because of my admiration for the actress the reason why I love this movie. This is such a feel experience, a movie about otaku, gender bender and fashion. The side characters are also fun to watch that gives this movie colorful vibe. Also even though it's a comedy it still manages to address some serious issues so in a sense it has social commentary aspects as well.


Suda plays a cross dresser and he nailed it. Most of the time this type of role can be cringy but not to him. He's just natural and not trying hard, and he walks like a real model, it's like he's having fun while filming lol.

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