Introduction

The time has come. Fantasia Film Fest is around the corner. While many films of different countries will be screened, the festival is known for its great selection of Japanese films. In this short article, we want to introduce two of our recommendations and four films we look forward to and you should do.

Two recommendations

Penalty Loop (2024) by Shinji Araki

Penalty Loop succeeds in delivering a nice twist on the time-loop dynamic, but the way Araki resolves the narrative’s thematical questions concerning vengeance and the working-through of trauma will divide spectators. In our view, it is the subtlety by which Araki raises questions and unfolds answers that will make the sudden shift from thriller to buddy-drama feel illogical to some spectators. Even so, Araki still delivers a narrative that is worth checking out.   

Yin-Yang Master zero (2024) by Shimako Satō

Yin Yang Master 0 delivers a fantastical visual experience like no other. While such reliance on visual effects could have led to a narrative with all flash but no substance, Sato’s fantastical imagery is subjected to the demands of the narrative. The visual effects serve the unfolding of the narrative and the many twists that guide its path. 

Four movies to look forward to.

Teasing Master Takagi-san (2024) by Rikiya Imaizumi

When one of Japan’s contempary masters of romance delivers a new cinematographic narrative, it is always worth checking out. Rikiya Imaizumi has delighted audiences with his kaleadoscopic explorations of the strange little thing called love. What will his latest narrative explore about love? Be sure to watch the film and find out.

Baby Assassins Nice Days (2024) by Yugo Sakamoto

Whether you have seen the first two installments or not, does not really matter. Yugo Sakamoto will surely please spectators with another effective mix of action and comedy. Baby Assassins Nice Days should not be missed.

House of Sayuri (2024) by Koji Shiraishi

While Koji Shiraishi is a J-horror veteran, he remains somewhat underrated. This is all the more shocking because, in contrast to his contemporaties, his creative flame has not fizzled out. Within a genre that is struggling to retains the shine of its glory days, one can count on Koji Shiraishi to deliver something that is up to the genre’s standards. In short, House of Sayuri should not be missed.

Swimming in a Sand Pool (2024) by Nobuhiro Yamashita

While spectators might not readily know who Nobuhiro Yamashita is, they will remember the heartwearming seishun hit Linda Linda Linda (2006) he created. Swimming in The Sand Pool promises to deliver another heartwarming and touching exploration of the seishun period and the impact of societal expectations on those who are becoming woman.