Shinzo Katayama delivers one of the most satisfying drama-thrillers this year.
Category: thriller
Lesson In Murder (2022) review
In Shiraishi’s talented hands the narrative transforms into a visual elegant and compelling examination of the desire that drives us all.
Dark Blue Forest (2021) review [JFFH 2022]
A great experimental thriller-mystery narrative about borders and the destructive nature of prejudice.
Kingdom of The Apes (2022) review [JFFH 2022]
Shugo Fujii proves that he is the master of indie-thrillers.
To Be Killed by a High School Girl (2022) review [OAFF 2022]
“The effective interaction between his fluid composition, the great narrative structure, and the thematical exploration of trauma and perverse fantasies ensures that the film hits all the right notes and more.”
Intimate Stranger (2022) review
“A splendid narrative that dares to explore how problematic mothers can be for their children.”
Kakegurui 2: Ultimate Russian Roulette (2021) review [Fantasia Festival 2021]
“Hanabusa’s second outing proves to be as enjoyable and thrilling as the first.”
Frantic (2021) review
“Fuji delivers his best movie yet and, quite possibly, the cult-film of the year.”
Baby Assassins (2021) review
“One of the most satisfying Japanese action films of this year.”
The Town of Headcounts (2020) review [Nippon Connection 2021]
“His dystopian ‘thriller’ does not only masterly highlight, in a chilling way, the various ills that marks contemporary society, but also shows, that within such dystopian world, a subject can always rediscover something to life and fight for.”
Bolt (2020) review [Nippon Connection 2021]
“A great narrative by Kaizo Hayashi that explores, via the structure fiction, the truth of three different affects – responsibility, guilt, and sadness through loss – during and in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster.”
Kakegurui (2019) review [Fantasia 2020]
“A narrative that will not only please long-time fans of the series, but also convert many newcomers into kakegurui’s enthusiasts.”
Under Your Bed (2019) review [Nippon connection Online]
“A brilliant narrative exploring, in a very confronting but enlightening way, the importance of inter-subjectivity to attain happiness.”
psycho-cinematography 