“Rudolf the Black Cat” (Japanese: “ルドルフとイッパイアッテナ”) is a 2016 Japanese animated film Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama and Motonori Sakakibara. The movie is based on a children’s book of the same name written by Hiroshi Saito. The story follows Rudolf, a black cat who lives in Gifu Prefecture, and his adventures as he sets out on … Read more
“Sweet Bean” (Japanese: “あん” – An) is a 2015 Japanese drama film Directed by Naomi Kawase. The movie is based on a novel of the same name written by Durian Sukegawa. The story follows Sentaro (played by Masatoshi Nagase), a middle-aged man who runs a small dorayaki (sweet red bean paste-filled pancakes) shop. He becomes … Read more
“The Third Murder” (Japanese: “三度目の殺人” – Sandome no Satsujin) is a 2017 Japanese legal drama film Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The movie explores themes of truth, justice, and the complexities of human nature. The story follows Shigemori (played by Masaharu Fukuyama), a skilled defense attorney who is assigned to defend Misumi (played by Koji Yakusho), … Read more
“Shin Godzilla” (also known as “Godzilla Resurgence”) is a 2016 Japanese kaiju film Directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi. It serves as a reboot of the iconic “Godzilla” franchise and presents a modern take on the classic monster. The film takes a unique approach by focusing on the response of the Japanese government and … Read more
“Bakuman.” is a 2015 Japanese live-action film adaptation of the popular manga and anime series “Bakuman” created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The film is directed by Hitoshi Ōne. The story follows Moritaka Mashiro (played by Takeru Satoh) and Akito Takagi (played by Ryunosuke Kamiki), two high school students who aspire to become successful … Read more
“Miss Hokusai” (Japanese: “百日紅”) is a 2015 Japanese animated drama film Directed by Keiichi Hara. The movie is based on the manga series “Sarusuberi” by Hinako Sugiura, which fictionalizes the life of the real historical figure Katsushika Ōi, the daughter of the famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The story is set in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) … Read more
“Lesson of the Evil” (Japanese: “Aku no Kyoten”) is a 2012 Japanese psychological horror-thriller film Directed by Takashi Miike. The movie is based on a novel of the same name written by Yusuke Kishi. The story revolves around Seiji Hasumi (played by Hideaki Itō), a charismatic and seemingly ideal high school teacher. Behind his facade … Read more
“Our Little Sister” (Japanese: “Umimachi Diary”) is a 2015 Japanese drama film Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The movie is based on a manga of the same name written by Akimi Yoshida. The story centers around three adult sisters – Sachi (played by Haruka Ayase), Yoshino (played by Masami Nagasawa), and Chika (played by Kaho) – … Read more
“Thermae Romae” is a 2012 Japanese comedy film Directed by Hideki Takeuchi. The movie is based on a manga of the same name written by Mari Yamazaki. The story revolves around Lucius Modestus (played by Hiroshi Abe), a Roman bathhouse architect in ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Lucius finds himself transported through … Read more
“Rurouni Kenshin” is a 2012 Japanese action-adventure film Directed by Keishi Ōtomo. The movie is based on the popular manga and anime series of the same name created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The story is set in the Meiji era of Japan and follows a wandering swordsman named Kenshin Himura (played by Takeru Satoh), who once … Read more