Red Ronin's Selection: Recent Japanese Films

If you're a foreigner in Japan with a desire to improve in the local lingo, as well as broaden your cultural knowledge, then one of the most effective, and fun, resources is to be found on the shelves of your local DVD rental store. Japan is currently experiencing somewhat of a "Golden Age" of cinema, with more domestically-made films being released to larger audiences than ever before. However, much like elsewhere these days, the quality releases seem to be vastly outnumbered by the mindless dross. So, I've decided to provide the service of selecting five of my personal favorite Japanese films of the past couple of years. These are all fairly mainstream and accessible fare (no hardcore horror or art-house cinema, I'm afraid) which should be easily located on your next trip down to Tsutaya (other rental stores are available). I've tried to include a variety of genres to suit tastes, and while I can't guarantee you'll share in my gushing praise of the films below, you should at least be passably entertained by them (which is saying something in the current worldwide dross-infested film climate!)

1. Suteki na Kanashibari / Once in a Blue Moon  (Comedy, 2011)
The latest effort from cult director Koki Mitani, has both great charm and a barrel-load of laughs. While most Japanese comedies seem to be of the hysterical, slapstick variety, with little room for subtlety, Mitani's tongue-in-cheek style harks back to the days of classic Billie Wilder comedies such as Some Like it Hot. The plot centers around a young lawyer, played by Mitani's muse Eri Fukatsu, who attempts to solve a murder case with the help of the ghost of a Samurai warrior. Sounds pretty ridiculous, which it is, but a host of great performances and clever twists mean that the story never drags, and there is even a genuinely emotional ending.

2. Youka-me no Semi (trans: Eighth-day Cicada) (Drama, 2011)
Based on the acclaimed novel by Mitsuyo Kakuta, this harrowing tale of a baby kidnapping also went on to garner multiple awards for its lead actress Hiromi Nagasaku, deservedly so in my humble opinion. The story is split in two, alternating between the kidnapping's immediate aftermath, and the present day, where the baby in question has grown into a young woman. Nagasaku's portrayal of the kidnapper, Kiwako, is truly heartbreaking, as she manages to generate great sympathy and pity for a character who could simply be condemned for her actions. It's certainly not an easy watch, but this is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

3. Futatabi / Swing me Again (Drama, 2010)
While this wasn't as big of a commercial hit as the other films on this list, in terms of feel-good power it's hard to top. It's a classic "road movie," with the two travelers in question being an elderly jazz trumpeter (played with suitable gruff charm by comedian Ichiro Zaitsu) and his surly grandson who also happens to play the trumpet. Zaitsu's character has suffered from the debilitating Hansen's disease for the past 50 years, and now that he's in recovery he tries to seek out the other members of his former band for one last performance. Needless to say, the search mission doesn't all go smoothly, but there are plenty of smiles and tears along the way. Even if you're not a big fan of jazz (and I'm not), this is an enjoyable and rewarding film, with real heart.

4. Gantz (Action, 2011)
As with so many major films in Japan these days, Gantz originates from a popular manga series, in this case a sci-fi action caper where a team of seemingly random challengers are tasked with battling a formidable lineup of "aliens" one-by-one. I won't bother trying to explain the complicated plot, as to be honest I was kind of left behind half way through. However, that didn't really effect my viewing enjoyment, as in terms of special effects and action set-pieces, this is one of the most impressive Japanese films I have seen in recent years. Just leave your brain at the door and enjoy the ride! (but don't bother with the sequel, Gantz: Perfect Answer, as that really is a bit of an overblown mess)

5. Tantei wa Bar ni Iru (trans: The Detective is in the Bar) (Action/Comedy, 2011)
One of the most interesting things about this film for me was its location of snowy Sapporo, a refreshing change from all the films and TV shows set in and around Tokyo. The "Detective" of the title, endowed with lashings of cynicism and dry humor by Yo Oizumi, spends much of the film getting beaten about by local Yakuza, as he doggedly investigates the disappearance of a young woman. The plot and atmosphere of this film reminded me in some ways of a Raymond Chandler effort, complete with the obligatory femme fatalle, played here admirably by the gorgeous Ko Yuki. Anyway, in the genre of detective-based action/comedy, I definitely recommend this over the wildly popular but frankly annoying Odoru Daisosasen (trans: Dancing Major Investigation) series.