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…
Category: Jidaigeki
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.”
Punk Samurai Slash Down (2018) review
“Ishii’s narrative meanders a bit too much, but it luckily never outstays its welcome.”
Yokai Monsters: Along With Ghosts (1969) review
“A very enjoyable fantastical horror period-drama that excels in creating an unsettling spooky atmosphere.”
Daimajin (1966) review
“A wonderful and refreshing blend between the jidai-geki/chanbara and the kaiju genre.”
Onibaba (1964) review
A veritable horror classic.
psychocinema 