These are some of the movies that really surprised, moved or shocked me.
If you’re someone looking for your first Japanese movie, or your next one and you haven’t seen any of the ones listed below, here are my top recommendations.
Hatanaba mitai na koi wo shita (花束みたいな恋をした)
We made a beautiful bouquet tells the bittersweet but realistic love story between a man and a woman, both 21 years old.
Despite the sad and frustrating parts of the story, it was beautiful to see so much passion. I loved the mature way the couple handle the situation and I know that many people will relate with the circumstances
The soundtrack has wonderful melodies, all acoustic and some with several different arrangements.
Gekijou (劇場 2020)
Theatre: A love story tells the story of a penniless, clumsy theater director and his pure and courageous girlfriend.
Despite portraying an abusive relationship, the ending is one of the most beautiful and, without a doubt, the most surprising ending I’ve ever seen in a Japanese film.
If you’re in a similar situation, seeing Saki-chan’s courage might give you the strength to carry on.
My broken Mariko (マイ・ブロークン・マリコ)
My broken Mariko tells the story of Tomoyo Shiino and Ikagawa Mariko. Their friendship is the only constant thing in their lives. Now, with the news of Mariko’s suicide, Shiino is determined to steal and throw Mariko’s ashes into the sea in a desperate attempt to save her friend’s soul.
If you’re loving someone who suffers from depression, perhaps you’ll find comfort to the feeling of helplessness in not being able to do more for the person on the verge of pain.
This was one of the most cathartic Japanese movies I’ve watched.
Until I meet September’s love (9月の恋と出会うまで)
Until I meet September’s love tells the story of a men who discovered that he was being followed by his neighbor, Kitamura Shiori. At his own behest, coming from the future.
If you like Japanese science fiction movies, especially about time travel, this is the best story I’ve ever seen. In addition to the grandfather paradox, parallel reality, temporal entanglement and other theories are addressed.
In fact, this is the Japanese movie I’ve watched the most times since I found it.
Love my life (ラブマイライフ)
Love my life tells the story of a homosexual woman who discovers that her father is gay and that her deceased mother was a lesbian.
If you are the parent of a homosexual person or have homosexual parents, maybe this Japanese film will help you to understand better all the issues and conflicts that can exist in the life of someone who likes the same sex.
This is one of the most beautiful Japanese movies I’ve ever seen.
Shounen (娼年)
Call boy tells the story of a men who lives insensitive to life. One night, the pimp of a male brothel invites him to work as a prostitute. He sees it as an opportunity to reframe his life.
He learns to be aware of women’s signals, be less inelegant and discovers that what he considers boring is, in fact, wonderful and there are several ways to give and receive sexual pleasure.
So, don’t be afraid or ashamed to express yourself between 4 walls. This was one of the most provocative Japanese movies I’ve seen.