Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple – bridging two films capably with character and thematic developments
Hiroshi Inagaki, “Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple” (1955) Its predecessor in the Musashi Miyamoto
Tag: Japanese Films
Reviews of Japanese-language films I find significant or interesting.
Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto – the early days of a famous swordsman celebrated with ambition and energy
Hiroshi Inagaki, “Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto” (1954) One of the most famous people in Japanese
Mixing samurai sword action, gore and political commentary on “Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance”
Toshiya Fujita, “Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance / Shurayukihime: Urami Renga” (1974) At the
Lady Snowblood: questioning the pursuit of vengeance in a society undergoing rapid social and economic change
Toshiya Fujita, “Lady Snowblood / Shurayukihime” (1973) Based on a manga and the inspiration for
The Wind Rises: a dishonest, cowardly film that supports current Japanese militarism
Hayao Miyazaki, “The Wind Rises / Kaze tachinu” (2013) Miyazaki’s swansong film is a fictional
Floating Weeds: a graceful work of compassion for human frailties
Yasujiro Ozu, “Floating Weeds” (1959) In the hands of a lesser director, the soap opera
Kwaidan: a lesson in four parts about having contact with the spirit world
Masaki Kobayashi, “Kwaidan” (1964) Often billed as a horror film, “Kwaidan” is in fact a
The Eel: tale of redemption labouring under too many complex abstract themes
Shohei Imamura, “The Eel / Unagi” (1997) Japan’s boys in blue have an enviable record
A Tattooed Life: underrated yakuza character study expressing anti-nationalist nihilism
Seijun Suzuki, “A Tattooed Life / Irezumi Ichidai” (1965) A surprisingly touching and quite emotional
Royal Space Force – the Wings of Honnêamise: a handsome coming-of-age film about individual and communal redemption
Hiroyuki Yamaga, “Royal Space Force – the Wings of Honnêamise / Ôritsu uchûgun Oneamisu no