A modern classic, one of the best, if not the best, cinematic experiences of the ‘00.
Category: Music
Yokohama BJ Blues (1981) review
Eiichi Kudo delivers an unhurried atmospheric neo-noirish vehicle for Yusaku Matsuda, radically undone of any form of tension.
Thanc you (2021) review
A quintessential manzai-experience in a filmic envelope and a beautiful introduction to the emotional range relational comedy can have.
This Is I (2026) review
Matsumoto makes a very convincing case for the need for the societal field to become more willing to grant subjects the right to nominate themselves in accordance with their subjective position.
The Gesuidouz (2024) review [Japannual 2025]
While the concatenation of deadpan comical moments succeeds in charming audiences, Ugana’s narrative falls flat in the last half-hour.
Ya Boy Kongming! The movie (2025) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2025]
Shibue’s film can be enjoyed by anyone, yet only those who have watched the drama-series can fully appreciate the narrtaive’s resolution.
V. Maria (2025) review [OAFF 2025]
The neatly interwoven narrative fabric, which evokes the dimension of loss in various forms, beautifully sketches out the importance for the subject to construct a narrative to support and jump-start one’s coming-into-being.
Let’s Go Karaoke (2024) review [Camera Japan Festival]
This is perfect film for anyone who, after a long day full of struggles, wants to sit in a comfy chair and relax.
Techno Brothers (2023) review
An amazing blend of arthouse minimalism and weird deadpan comedy.
Plastic (2023) review [Japan Cuts 2023]
Miyazaki creates a moody narrative that highlights the equivocal functionality of music for the subject as well as the destructive impact of not being able to create an inter-subjective between two ego’s in love.
Offbeat Cops (2022) review
Uchida delivers what very well might be the feel-good movie of the year.
Melting Sounds (2022) review [OAFF 2022]
“Kahori Higashi’s debut is impressive.”
Tapestry (2020) review
“Yes, Zeze delivers a rather straightforward romance narrative with Tapestry, but, in contrast to many other Japanese romance films, he succeeds to genuinely move the spectator.”
Short Movie Time: Go Seppukku Yourselves (2021) review [Japan Cuts 2021]
“An enthralling audiovisual experience and a powerful critique of the Japanese political system.”
Between Us (2021) review [Camera Japan Festival]
“A great narrative that celebrates the energetic art of Japanese drumming in pleasing way.”