Japanese films worth studying?

Question

Hi I am writing a paper "themes in Japanese Films"
I need a list of some popular/classic/good Japanese films (made in Japan) that I can use to talk about in my paper

Answer 1

If you think about how much influences Japanese films, such as Kurosawa's, caused to the world films, yes, it is worth studying. Japanese animation films are great, too.

Answer 2

Check out "Harikiri" or "Samurai Rebellion" directed by Masakii Kobayashi. The "Big Three" directors-Kurosawa, Ozu and Mizoguchi have been studied to death in my opinion. Watch "Fires on the Plains" directed by Kon Ichikawa if you want to see a feel bad war story. Seijin Suzuki directed some popular films that continue to be an influence on folks like Quentin Tarrentino today. I would recommend "Branded to Kill" and "Tokyo Drifter". Kinji Fukasaku would be considered the Sam Peckinpah of Japan. Check out "Battle Royale" or the "Battles Without Honour or Glory" series.

Answer 3

Japanese director and filmmaker Akira Kurosawa made several "jidaigeki" films aka, Samurai time films. Seven Samurai, Yojimbo are couple that were adapted into Clint Easwood movies, scene for scene. Seven Samura was adapted in to the Magnificent Seven. Yojimbo was turned into Fist Full of Dollars.

Answer 4

two classics that come to mind. the first, rashomon, is the story of a rape told from many different points of view. the victim, witnesses, etc. the concept of this film has been used over and over since it first came out in 1950.
the other film that i immediately thought of was 'the seven samurai', a 1954 film about a village that hires samurai to protect them from a viscious gang. the idea for this film was taken and westernized and came out in the united states as 'the magnificent seven'.
i'm sure there are other great japanese films, but those are the two that popped into my head.
in recent years, the japanese have created a new genre of horror films that may be noteworthy. most have been remade for western audiences. the grudge and dark water are examples of this genre, but the best and creepiest of them all i don't think has been redone for american audiences and that is 'the audition'. you might want to check that one out if you're into that sort of film.
another interesting japanese movie type is anime/hentai. i think there's much to be shown about how japanese society feels about women in these films. it would be an interesting study.

Answer 5

The film called "Riri shoushou no subete"(English title is All About Lily Chou-Chou) is pretty good film.
The story is not easy to understand but this film is definitely worth watching.

"Dare mo Shiranai" English title is "Nobody Knows" is a great movie. (very sad one)
This film is a based on the true story.

I enjoyed watching "Tasogare Seibei"( English title is The Twilight Samurai).

Here is the Japanese sci-fi movie I really like, it called "Ritana" (English title is "Returner")
This type of movie is always involve LOVE as man and woman ( you know what I mean???) but this film is not.
So I found the story is very refreshing.

I like a horror movie called "Yogen"(English title is Premonition).
The movie "Premonition" starring Sandra Bullock is remake of this film "Yogen".
It was good movie except the leading actor.
His acting was so bad.