Japanese Movie Recommendations

Dance with Me

I usually not good with musicals as it feels it break the immersion once they started singing but "Dance with Me" is different as musical is huge part of its whole narrative and not just randomly inserted songs out of nowhere. The female lead grew up hating musicals as she had bad experience with it, then one day a magician hypnotize her and the result is she will sing and dance once she hear any music like a star in a musical movie. In short it ruined her life, she messed up one company presentation and wrecked a restaurant during her date as she swings a chandelier like a crazy person. The fun begins once she started her quest of gaining her sanity back, then follows are random but fun events which seems to be Shinobu Yaguchi's trademark, the director of Waterboys, Swing girls, Wood job, Survival family and more, so if you are familiar with those works then you should know this film has heart and not just simple musical comedy. Miyoshi Ayaka owns this movie; you could feel the enthusiasm in her performance. A solid 9 out of 10 I feel this movie is for everyone even me who is not a fan of musicals.

Inuyashiki

One of the best live actions ever made, this is better than Bleach, Full metal alchemist and Tokyo Ghoul combined and the action is in my opinion better than Gantz. If you are a fan of action movies this is a MUST watch. There's literally no dull moments in the movie especially during the latter half which is non-stop action, I didn't even noticed 2 hours had passed. However this is not a perfect movie, it still has its shortcomings, there are things that were not explained properly like the source of their superpowers, but you wouldn't even notice it, the narrative will overshadow it which is good vs. evil, both were given godly powers, one choose to protect people and the other to kill. The movies also suffers from the clichés of a superhero movie like "destruction of major metropolitan area", "traumatic childhood of the villain", "training montages" but even with those clichés I still love how they insert family and friendship elements in the movie.

CGI effect here is great, though I won't say Hollywood level, but still it's realistic enough to make such scenes immersive. Action scenes won't be that much effective without the music, it acts as a cue and provides an extra feeling of tension. Acting is brilliant the only issue I had is with Inuyashiki's actor because he overacts a bit during that dramatic scene with her daughter which breaks the moment to me. Takeru Sato on the other hand is brilliant, the way he plays the villain role is convincing, he is indeed one of the best young actors in Japan.

And Your Bird Can Sing

I always commend actors who explore the most intricate human relationships in films, actors who always challenging themselves and not just playing around, which is a total opposite of their characters in this movie. Like these three actors in this image below where two of them give some of the best performance I've seen this year, Emoto Tasuku in kokoro no kizu and just recently Ishibashi Shizuka in tokyo love story, and of course there is Shota Sometani in the middle, the youngest veteran actor in Japan.

We follow this trio of young adults living their fleeting lives, the film is full of these random events where these characters are just slacking off, drinking till they passed out, living at the moment seems their motto, they just don't care what will happen next. They have this carefree attitude towards everything, their future, jobs doesn't matter or even relationship as they form the most uneventful love triangle ever. Everything here is just subtle, no obligatory conflict driven plot, all just appears organically. The type of storytelling that is not for everyone, and I wouldn't even say it's 100 percent for me. The movie just drops you into their world and asked you to hang out with them for a bit and I think they did a great job on that.

Under Your Bed

Have you ever watched a movie that it felt you are reading a book? The constant narration did it for me, him expressing his thoughts on a woman inside his scope. The movie revolves around her, his memories (obsession) of her and her smile that eleven years later disappears. She's a different woman now, he thought, so he investigates (stalk), set a fish shop near her place, set up his voyeurism equipment and watch her 24/7.

This movie is more than an intriguing premise, the theme (loneliness) is strong, the execution is good with music that brilliantly drives the plot. The acting is excellent too. Lastly there's nudity here, so yeah not for everyone, but not just that there are couple of scenes that are hard to watch. Consider yourself warned.

Rent A Friend

 A girl who believes that platonic friendships between man and woman is impossible, met a friend-for-hire guy who claims he never fell in love with a woman whenever he rented himself out as friend. She got intrigued with this idea and rented him for one month to test whether this type of relationship is possible. What follows are countless of dates, questions of how much of it is authentic or fake, and whoever is the first one to cross that friendship/romance boundary line.

I wish I could recommend this quirky romantic movie to all given how unique of a concept for a romantic story it is, but its anti rom-com approach might not be for everyone, they throw away all those tropes that could make the movie more entertaining. This movie also went full philosophical in the end, and honestly I find the ending anti climactic, but one thing for sure Eri Tokunaga is such a wonderful actress...what a performance.

Sweet Poolside

Not only the story is weird but the execution is even weirder. The symbolism of forest while he is shaving her hair in an asmr-esque kind of way is funky forest level of weirdness; I love it, and by far the best and funniest part of the movie. What I don't like though is how the second part turns out. I know that you should not apply logic in movies such as this, like how come suddenly the boy became master shaver even though he had no experience doing it, but still I don't like how illogical the second part of the movie is. The characters suddenly became obsessed, too edgy and angry at the world. It's over the top and seems the director is trying to convey a strong message but it didn't goes through me, so the movie ended up Wall mart Himizu on that part. Overall still a good watch and I had fun watching; it is also nostalgic in a way because after all we became adolescent once in our life, we experienced change physically and emotionally. The message is simple; you love yourself for what you are but just told in a WTF-Japan-Seriously fashion.

Day and Night

 Once again, Japan explored the grey areas of morality in this small town dramatic thriller mystery "Day and Night", it's just that the shade is a bit darker this time, and me being hopeful towards the ending I couldn't say I was totally happy about it, but knowing how realist this types of films can be maybe I should have known better. It's a movie that challenges its viewers, how far you can justify revenge and if doing bad things for good a reason is right. Although the film will not give answer to the said question, instead it will provide a possible solution if you fall into the similar situation.

Well shot and brilliantly directed movie, the cinematography is captivating with music ranges from mood evoking to dramatic, there is one montage in particular that I like and I love how they play with parallels in this movie, the good and the bad, the day and night and the first scene and the last. Strong performance from the cast led by Abe Shinnosuke, Ando Masanobu and rising star Kaya Kiyohara who didn't even flinched acting alongside with these veteran actors. The story is not for everyone, but technically I may include Day and Night in my top 10 Japanese movies of all time.

Summer Blooms

A story of loss, grief, acceptance and recovery...told in a non melodramatic fashion and with pace slow as molasses. The story is about a girl who can't get over the death of her boyfriend, she's a former teacher but now in Tokyo and works as a waitress. The film's slice of life approach means we follow her in the most mundane task like her listening to radio, serving noodles, looking for jobs, watching fireworks up to important events such as meeting her former student/jazz singer and later meeting a potential new love interest. The movie ends in a very positive note when unopened letters are read and season has changed. Also plus points on how the director use that catchy ending song, it's genius.

It's Boring, Pick Me Up

"It's Boring, Pick Me Up" combines all the things I love in movies, coming of age story, road movie, slice of life and countryside scenery. The idea of expanding your world once you graduate school is universal, whether move to bigger city or to a different country, young people are built like that, and it's up to the person if he's up to the challenge or not. Now looking back like the characters in this movie, can we say we live a fulfilling life or is it still boring that it makes us reminiscent the past.

Two characters who I believe we're meant to represent us in this story are both effective, the beautiful Ai Hashimoto (I) and the charismatic Mugi Kadowaki (Me). Overall the movie is about regrets, pressure and expectation, moving on from your WHAT IFs in life. In the end after the ending credits roll, it will make you feel nostalgic but optimistic at the same time.

First Love

Takashi Miike with his crazy characters again and taser-kun Sometani is the standout for me. Becky is also a revelation in this movie. Although not his best movie, not even his top 5 but it's very takashi miike and it seems it is his love letter to classic yakuza films. Kubota and the newcomer Sakurako got some real chemistry better than some shoujo live action pairings, they look so good together. It just added to the thrill that you keep rooting for this pair so I'm glad it's a happy ending. Who would have thought lol after that insane premise.

Chiwawa-chan

Wild youth, sex, partying & friendship, this movie used these elements which are conveyed through the director's use of vivid colors and artistic shots. It reminds me of movies such as World of Kanako and Helter Skelter. The movie revolves around one character chiwawa and how her life affects people around her....her friends. You might be disappointed if you view this as just a murder mystery which I think this movie is not about but having said that I'm still not satisfied with how it ended, I feel there is something missing. What needs to be praised though is the casting; all these young actors have great charisma that fits well with its chaotic and colorful narrative.

Halfway

After the so many cheesy romance live action movies I've watched these past months it's just so refreshing to watch something realistic. It's one of the most realistic portrayals of youth, teen struggles, high school romance in a movie. The plot is simple but it's like those movies where theme is more important than the plot, in fact you could view it as a short film if you want. Two reasons why I see people won't like this movie, it's either slow pace bore them to death, or they are not old enough to experience love, If your idea of love the one where a girl chase the boy in the bus then I don't know which fantasy world you're living in.

Swallowtail Butterfly

Futuristic Japanese metropolis? Japan in alternate universe? Whatever you think of the setting, "Swallowtail Butterfly" is highly entertaining, crazy story development and the most well received Shunji Iwai movie to date. It's impossible to put a genre in this movie and just like I said these characters went through some of the craziest development I've seen in a movie. It's like a combination of crime, violence, culture clash rockumentary, coming of age, social commentary, family drama with a bit of romance and friendship thrown in the picture. It's also fascinating how this movie predicts the future given the immigrant issues right now. Cult Classic. Underrated. Masterpiece.

The Hungry Lion

Social commentary type of movie that critics human nature to judge and the bad effects of social media. This is very disturbing as it can happen to us or to anyone close to us. The movie also shows the bad sides of every character even the main lead and you would also question her actions as you watch the movie. What makes this movie so effective is the documentary-like aspect of it, there would be no familiar face here at least for me, so it feels like you are watching real people. Most shots are also single framed, no camera movement, a little bit of ozu right there. It's just like saying we are only here to observe them.

Again this movie tackles two subjects matter, the way people judge and the bad side of social media. I say the way you will view it depends of your age or experience in life. Having said that, this movie is very relatable to all ages which I recommend not because it's a great movie but because it's an eye opener that everyone should watch.

I Just Didn't Do It

I've never been this triggered over a movie. The topic is so heavy and so frustrating to think it happens in real life. Ryo kase is a wonderful actor, an excellent example of subtle acting with passion. The highlight of this movie is seeing his character changed over these grueling case hearings. His facial expression went from "lol are you serious?" to "Damn I didn't do it what the hell".

I also love the monologue at the end

"I know I didn't do it. I'm the only one who can judge here cause I know I didn't do anything wrong. I can judge the judge and he is wrong."

Love’s Whirlpool

Sex themed movies will always be viewed as negative for some people, and that's the reason why it got such negative rating. Yes, there's countless number of sex scenes in this movie, but it is just shallow to view it as Soft porn because this movie has meaning. The characters are the foundation of this movie, they are very raw. I love how they interact and their awkwardness at first leading to them opening up with each other. Ikematsu and Kadowaki are really great, they didn't talk that much but you could really feel the love by just simply staring at each other. The ending is a bit punch to the gut but also realistic.

Swing Girls

The best example of fast paced but it didn't sacrifice the development of the characters, everything just felt natural. Very entertaining and I love how there's no unnecessary drama and over the top romance, everything is just subtle. I hope every live action movie will learn from it. Ueno Juri owned this movie, by far the most fun character I saw her portrayed. I'm a big fan of her so it's nice to see one of her first movies; I'd say what a debut.

There's two types of people in the world the one who swings and the one who don't, but even if you don't like swing music you would appreciate this movie if you like "friendship themed film" and Japanese comedy.

Sway

This is what they called great script with brilliant metaphor in it. It's very relatable to adults and young adults, those who are about to make a decision that will decide what would become their life. Would you cross that hanging bridge or would you prefer to stay, cause that one is not your normal bridge, it is dangerous as it SWAYS a lot. Acting is superb. Probably Teruyuki Kagawa's best.

The Long Excuse

I didn't expect to cry but stories involving kids I just couldn't help but tear up. The story is so touching, it's about how the death of a wife made a person much better and how kids can melt even coldest hearts. The dialogue is not sugar coated it may came as harsh but it's true we thought of that when someone dies at least for me. The acting is superb, the main character is great at giving advice, he's a writer in the first place but ironically he couldn't apply that to himself. The pace is slow but not koreeda or kawase type of slow.

Blank 13

Short but lighthearted movie, the latter half is surprisingly funny but heartwarming at the same time. Pretty short compared to other Japanese movies, this one I think is just over an hour. Really love Takashi Issei subtle acting here, there is something in him that will make you drawn to his character. Saito Takumi has a great future in directing, it is evident if you watch the film that he is influenced by great directors such as koreeda and kawase. Great ending song it summarized the whole movie.

Parks

This is such a fun movie, it doesnt feel like 2 hours has passed since it is well paced. I love the chemistry between the cast; the beautiful ai hashimoto, the cute mei nagano and the high spirited shota sometani. Hashimoto and Nagano's chemistry here is like aki and yui in amachan, those scenes with them together were overflowing of cuteness. You got to envy shota sometani being surrounded with these ladies. The scene during the end thought is a bit confusing and I still didn't get it until now. Overall a fun movie a solid.

Tremble All You Want

This might be the most honest romantic comedy I've ever seen, so honest that it makes the movie painful to watch at times. Unlike more common romantic comedy, this movie doesn't have fairy tale type of characters that exist in an unrealistic setting, what it gives us is a vulnerable lead character that everybody could relate. Although you might hate her actions you will definitely understand her through a monologue that was voiced so well. This movie is also insightful that there is a point in the movie where Yoshika had to choose between ichi#1 (the one who she loves) or Ni#2 (the one who loves her), very relatable indeed. Mayu Matsuoka has been the most versatile young actress in Japan today and this movie only validates how good as an actress she is. Her role demands vast range from the actress and Matsuoka deliver it so well. I've been a fan of this actress ever since I saw her in mondai aru restaurant and I'm happy that she was given roles like this.