Kotoko
By Shinya Tsukamoto The premise of the movie takes on a subject which is taboo in Japan, mental illness, and presents the plight of a single mother trying to raise a baby while [...] Review by Mike Sullivan
Throne of Blood
Directed by Akira Kurosawa This movie is an interpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the story is focused around Washizu who is a general for the lord of spider web castle. The movie brings together [...] Review by Mike Sullivan
From up on Poppy Hill
Directed by Goro Miyazaki This production follows a common theme in Studio Ghibli movies of innocent romance and the coming of age of teenagers, this time set in 1960s Yokohama. Review by Mike Sullivan
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki The story is based on a Japanese children’s book written in 1985 by Eiko Kadono and was adapted by the master of animation Hayao Miyazaki in 1989. The English release [...] Review by Lucy Searles
Eclair: Okashi Hourouki
Directed by Akio Kondo The film is based on the autobiographical book written by Shigeru Nishimura in 1975, telling the story of an orphaned boy sent to [...] Review by Mike Sullivan
Zero Focus
Directed by Isshin Inudo Zero Focus, set for the most part in photogenic Kanazawa is a slick and classy film made by Isshin Inudo. It is based on the best-selling crime novel of [...] Review by Susan Meehan
Bonsái
Directed by Cristian Jimenez Bonsái is a youthful and whimsical film inspired by literature – Proust looms large; though not a Japanese film, the title, of course, is. It won the Films in Progress 19 Award in Toulouse in 2011. Review by Susan Meehan
Pray for Japan
Directed by Stu Levy The Japan Society organised a special charity screening for the European premiere of Stu Levy’s documentary film, Pray for Japan, at the British Academy for Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) on 14 March 2012 […] Review by Susan Meehan
Mitsuko Delivers
Directed by Yuya Ishii Mitsuko Delivers: the title made me think of the very funny film by the same director with a similar title, Sawako Decides and it did dispense the same style good humour and feel good factor. The screening at the ICA […] Review by Susan Meehan
Himizu
Directed by Shion Sono [園 子温], 2011, 129 minutes Review by Susan Meehan Film director Shion Sono was working on his adaptation of Himizu, a manga by Minoru Furuya [古谷 実 ,], when Japan was devastated by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami. Sono incorporated […]