Ghost in the Shell: Arise (1: Ghost Pain): resurrected science fiction series needs new spark to keep alive
Kazuchika Kise, “Ghost in the Shell: Arise – 1: Ghost Pain” (2013) First of a
Category: Japanese Films
Reviews of films from Japan.
Garden of Words: small-scale character study of adolescent infatuation is a lesson on desire, loneliness and alienation
Makoto Shinkai, “Garden of Words / Koto no ha no niwa” (2013) Makoto Shinkai is
Battle Royale (Director’s Cut): satire on Japanese society and militaristic values with plenty of teen angst and splatter gore
Kinji Fukasaku, “Battle Royale (Director’s Cut)” (2000) For all its extreme violence and other liberties
The Hidden Fortress: majestic epic tale of honour, loyalty and friendships across social barriers
Akira Kurosawa, “The Hidden Fortress” (1958) Inspiration for George Lucas’ “Star Wars: A New Hope”,
Code of samurai honour and Japan under Tokugawa shoguns under superficial examination in “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai”
Takashi Miike, “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai” (2011) As this is a Takashi Miike film,
Franz Kafka’s A Country Doctor: a bleak and surreal observation of one man’s existence in an uncaring universe
Koji Yamamura, “Franz Kafka’s A Country Doctor / Franz Kafka: Ein Landartz / Kafuka: Inaka
Japanese Films | Middle Eastern Films
Fukushima Fallout: even-handed survey of situation in northeast Japan, one year after the earthquake / tsunami / nuclear meltdown disaster
Kathy Hearn, “Fukushima Fallout” (101 East / Al Jazeera, 8 March 2012) A year after
The Trip (dir. Kihachiro Kawamoto): lesson on Buddhist attitude to suffering falls short on what it should teach
Kihachiro Kawamoto “Tabi (The Trip)” (1973) Very striking little animation piece, reminiscent of an extended
Aragami: rather bland action bromance film about how appearances can’t be trusted
Ryuhei Kitamura, “Aragami” (2003) The Japan Foundation Office across the road from where I work
Arrietty: disheartening social conservatism and narrow prospects for a plucky heroine mar a charming film
Hiromasa Yonebayashi, “Arrietty / Karu-gurashi no Arrietti” (2010) A charming offering from Studio Ghibli, based