Fukasaku has crafted a period piece that, due to its impeccable dramatic pacing, has to be counted among the best
Category: Jidaigeki
Halloween movie special: Summer Of Demon (1981) review
Despite some nice visual compositions and some great performances, Ninagawa’s composition ultimately deflates the drama, leaving this adaptation unable to touch the spectator.
Halloween Special Review: The Ghost of Yotsuya (1959) review
Nakagawa succeeds in delivering an unforgettable finale that, due to its hallucinatory feel, mesmerises the spectator with its haunting imagery.
Halloween Special Review: The Ghosts of Yotsuya (1956) review
An incredible horror film that retains its power to engage and thrill the spectator due to Tomisabura Wakayama’s outstanding performance.
Okiku and the World (2023) review [Japannual 2023]
Introduction Junji Sakamoto (Another World (2019), I Never Shot Anyone (2020), My Brother, The Android and Me (2022)) might not be as well-known by international audiences as other directors, but he has proved himself to be an incredible talent in Japan that deserves recognition for his often unique but always well-crafted narratives. Luckily, in recent…
Ninja Vs Shark (2023) review [Camera Japan 2023]
A pleasant B-film action experience.
Revenge (1964) review
A classic – a jidai-geki that every cinephile should see.
The Legend and The Butterfly (2023) [Japan Cuts 2023]
The combination of historical anchor points, a phantasmatic romance to link those points together, and satisfying burst of action will surely be able to satisfy those who thirst for a modern take on the period drama.
Trail Of Blood (1972) review
Ikehiro stylishly celebrates the Matatabi film of the past and offers the chanbara-enthusiast enough sword-fighting action to satisfy him/her.
Ghost in the Well (1957) review
Toshikazu Kono hits all the right emotional notes to deliver a satisfying tragic love story.
Dreaming of The Meridian Arc (2022) review [The Female Gaze – Japan Society]
A pleasant narrative due to the chemistry between Kenichi Matsuyama and Kiichi Nakai and the satisfying delivery of a visual and narrative climax.
The Pass: Last Days Of The Samurai (2022) review [Fantasia Film Festival]
A very engaging samurai narrative that does not only offer an intriguing glance at one of the most important crossroads of Japanese history, but also a melodramatic exploration of one subject’s function in it.
Travels of Hibari and Chiemi 2: The Lovebird’s 1000 Ryo Umbrella (1963) review
“A highly enjoyable sequel that, once more, delivers heart-warming light-heartedness, comical action-sequences, and touching musical moments.”
Travels of Hibari and Chiemi: The Tumultuous Journey (1962) review
“This film remains, after all these years, a highly enjoyable narrative that succeeds to please the spectator with heart-warming light-heartedness, comical action, and beautiful musical moments.”
Gonza the Spearman (1986) review
“A fabulous narrative that offers a satisfying exploration of the tragedy of phallic ambition and the destructive potential of desire.”
psycho-cinematography 